Bipolar Disorder is a mental health condition with Extreme mood swings from manic highs to depressive lows, its cause is unknown but genetics, brain chemistry, and life experiences may contribute. Early test for bipolar disorder and treatment help individuals manage symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

5 Test for Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis

Proper diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder is crucial for effective treatment and support, enabling individuals to manage symptoms and improve their quality of life.

Here is a list of commonly used test for Bipolar Disorder diagnosis:

Mood assessment

Psychiatric evaluation

Medical history review

Physical examination

Mood charting

Symptoms to Watch For

Separation anxiety

Emotional dysregulation with frequent mood swings

Rages & explosive temper tantrums (lasting up to several hours)

Marked irritability

Impulsivity

Agressive or oppositional behavior

Distractibility

Hyperactivity, more energy than normal

Getting involved in many projects or activities at once

Less need for sleep

Restlessness/ fidgetiness

Silliness, goofiness, giddiness

Racing thoughts

Talking excessively, rapid or pressured speech

Grandiosity

Risk-taking behaviors

Depressed mood

Low self-esteem

Lethargy

Difficulty getting up in the morning

Night terrors

Thoughts of death or suicide

Many of these symptoms are not specific to bipolar disorder and can reflect a variety of other concerns.

What you need to do

Emotional Challenges

Many symptoms of bipolar disorder can leave you facing emotional challenges. Outside of treatments for managing symptoms, it's important to find people who understand what it's like to live with a mental illness to help you cope. Ask your doctor about local support groups where you can meet other people who have bipolar disorder. You also might join an online support group.

Meeting others who have undergone similar experiences can provide you with the emotional support you need to deal with issues like stigma. Other people may also be able to share valuable resources that you might find helpful.

Psychological Therapies

You may also want to consider talk therapy. Meeting with a therapist can help you cope with your illness in a variety of ways, including helping you decide if you should tell your boss, family members, or friends about your illness. You may find it helpful to ask your doctor if psychotherapy sessions can be part of your regular treatment plan.

Relationships

Outside of family, it's important to consider telling romantic partners. There are many ways bipolar disorder may affect your sex life and ensuring your partner understands this can be key to maintaining a healthy relationship.

Overcoming Stigma

Although there is often a stigma associated with all mental illnesses, bipolar disorder can be especially stigmatizing. Individuals with bipolar are often portrayed as "crazy" in books and movies, and quite often, these individuals commit crimes or aren't able to live independently.

Educate Others

To fight stigma, it can be helpful to educate and inform others. Once people understand more about your medical condition, they will begin to see you realistically, rather than through the lens of their fears.

Avoiding Substance Abuse

Coping with bipolar disorder can be difficult, especially when an individual feels ashamed or embarrassed. Consequently, some people self-medicate with drugs or alcohol in an attempt to help themselves feel better. In fact, a study published in 2017 stated that about half of all people with bipolar disorder deal with substance abuse at some point in their lives

Conclusion

If you think you may be suffering from symptoms such as depression, talk to your doctor. They may be able to offer strategies to help you avoid substance abuse and manage your bipolar symptoms.