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.
