How do professionals diagnose bipolar disorder?

To diagnose bipolar disorder, a doctor performs a physical exam, asks about your symptoms, and recommends blood testing to determine if another condition, such as hypothyroidism, is causing your symptoms. If the doctor does not find an underlying cause of your symptoms, he or she performs a psychological evaluation.

What are 3 or more symptoms or characteristics of bipolar disorder?

Signs and Symptoms

People having a manic episode may:	People having a depressive episode may:
Feel very “up,” “high,” elated, or irritable or touchy	Feel very sad, “down,” empty, worried, or hopeless
Feel “jumpy” or “wired”	Feel slowed down or restless

When is bipolar disorder usually diagnosed?

Although bipolar disorder can occur at any age, typically it’s diagnosed in the teenage years or early 20s. Symptoms can vary from person to person, and symptoms may vary over time.

Which symptoms are consistent with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder?

Both a manic and a hypomanic episode include three or more of these symptoms:

• Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired.
• Increased activity, energy or agitation.
• Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)
• Decreased need for sleep.
• Unusual talkativeness.
• Racing thoughts.
• Distractibility.

How long does it take to diagnose bipolar?

“The average length of time between a person’s first episode and getting the correct diagnosis is eight years,” said Kay Redfield Jamison, a professor of psychiatry at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and author of “Touched with Fire: Manic-Depressive Illness and the Artistic Temperament.”

What lab tests are used to diagnose bipolar I disorder?

Bipolar I disorder is a clinical syndromal diagnosis based on history and mental status exam, without a diagnostic laboratory test. Tests to assess etiologic factors include CBC, BMP, LFTs, TSH, B12, folate, vitamin D, RPR, blood alcohol level, urinalysis, and urine toxicology. Obtaining a detailed history is paramount in diagnosis.

What are the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Signs and symptoms of bipolar I and bipolar II disorders may include other features, such as anxious distress, melancholy, psychosis or others. The timing of symptoms may include diagnostic labels such as mixed or rapid cycling. In addition, bipolar symptoms may occur during pregnancy or change with the seasons. Symptoms in children and teens

What is the average age of diagnosis for bipolar disorder?

Although bipolar disorder can occur at any age, typically it’s diagnosed in the teenage years or early 20s. Symptoms can vary from person to person, and symptoms may vary over time.

Should I talk to my doctor about my bipolar disorder symptoms?

If you have any symptoms of depression or mania, see your doctor or mental health professional. Bipolar disorder doesn’t get better on its own. Getting treatment from a mental health professional with experience in bipolar disorder can help you get your symptoms under control.