mental health disorders
Bipolar Disorder
Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder
A doctor's evaluation, based on standard psychiatric diagnostic criteria Sometimes blood and urine tests to rule out other general medical conditions and use of illicit drugs The diagnosis of bipolar disorder is based on specific lists of symptoms (criteria). However, people with mania may not accurately report their symptoms because they do not think anything is wrong with them. So doctors often have to obtain information from family members. People and their family members can use a short questionnaire to help them evaluate the risk of bipolar disorder (seeMood Disorder Questionnaire). Doctors also ask people whether they have any thoughts about suicide. Doctors review the medications being taken to check whether any could contribute to the symptoms. Doctors may also check for signs of other general medical conditions that may be contributing to symptoms. For example, they may do blood tests to check for Hyperthyroidism and blood or urine tests to check for illicit drug use. Doctors determine whether people are experiencing an episode of mania or depression so that the correct treatment can be given. 