How to Get an Accurate Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, previously referred to as manic depression, is a serious mental illness characterized by extreme, dramatic mood swings. Moods fluctuate between manic and depressed. People in a state of mania describe themselves as feeling high and euphoric. Depression, on that other hand, is characterized by suicidal feelings, and unpredictable, dangerous behavior. Many people with bipolar disorder have periods of normal moods between episodes. Today, bipolar disorder can be successfully treated with the right medication.

Instructions

Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder

• 1

  Talk to your doctor. If you find that your moods fluctuate wildly between extreme highs and intolerable lows, it's possible you have this disorder. If you have bipolar disorder you may enjoy your manic episodes because they make you feel better than ever, and have more energy. On the flip side, your lows can be so debilitating that you may consider suicide, or hurt yourself.

• 2

  Ask your family what they think about your mood swings. Chances are that a loved one or friend will notice your mood swings before you do. After all, most people are either born with this disorder, or their symptoms develop over time. If your condition is inherited, chances are that you grew up around a person with this illness and you may believe that their behavior, and now yours, is normal.

• 3

  See a mental health professional. Those who are most qualified to diagnose this disorder are a psychologist, or preferably, a psychiatrist---a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. Your general practitioner can run different diagnostic tests to rule out other diseases and illnesses. Symptoms of bipolar disorder can be caused by a tumor or head trauma. But a psychologist or psychiatrist will evaluate your mental health based on your family history, your moods and behaviors and even your lifestyle.