Do you sometimes feel incredibly happy and excited? But at other times, do you feel so bored with the world and unable to do anything? When you are oscillating between two big mood swings like this, it is normal to wonder, "Am I bipolar ?" So, at a time like this, what would you think if you were asked about a test that could detect this condition at home by giving a little saliva? Today we are talking about such tests.
So how does this test work?
Simply put, this is a genetic test. It looks at the genes in your body and sees if you have certain genetic markers that have been found to contribute to the development of bipolar disorder.
This test is called 'Psynome'. It specifically looks for two mutations in a gene called GRK3 . According to the doctors who studied this test, if a white person of Northern European descent has one of these two mutations, and if someone in their family has bipolar disorder, they are about three times more likely to develop the condition. However, research has not yet found how this relationship affects other ethnic groups.
Although it's a home test, they send you a special tube (spit kit) that you can put your saliva sample in. You put some saliva in it and mail it back to the company. They then test it and send the results directly to your doctor . Not to you. Your doctor will then talk to you and explain the results.
How accurate is this test?
Here's the most important thing. This test can tell you very accurately (almost 100%) whether you have the GRK3 gene mutation.
However, it cannot tell for sure whether you have bipolar disorder or not.
That means, it only indicates that you have a slightly higher risk of developing the disease. It's like crossing the road when there are more cars on the road. The chance of an accident is higher, but it's not a guarantee that an accident will happen.
The people who created this test say, "This test is not useful on its own. It should only be used in conjunction with your symptoms and family history to form a complete picture ." So this is not a diagnosis, but just another piece of information that can help with the diagnosis.
What exactly is bipolar?
Some people also call this 'Manic Depression'. Simply put, this is a mental condition associated with extreme highs and lows in your mood. It has two main phases: Mania and Depression . Recognizing the symptoms of these two phases is very important for diagnosis.
| Symptoms of mania | Symptoms of depression |
|---|---|
| High activity and energy. | Sadness, anxiety, a feeling of hopelessness about anything. |
| To be excessively happy or excited for no reason. | Loss of interest in previously pleasurable activities (including sex). |
| Needing very little sleep (e.g., feeling refreshed after 2-3 hours of sleep). | Feeling extremely tired and lacking energy. |
| Quick temper, restlessness. | Sleep problems (either oversleeping or insomnia). |
| Difficulty staying focused, thoughts shifting rapidly. | Changes in appetite and weight gain or loss. |
| Spending money recklessly and doing risky things. | Blaming oneself, feeling worthless. |
| Talking too much, going off topic. | Having thoughts of harming yourself or committing suicide. |
Your doctor will make a diagnosis based on how many of these symptoms you have, how long they have been present, and how severe they are. Sometimes this can be misdiagnosed as just clinical depression .
What do medical experts say about this?
To be honest, the world's leading mental health experts say that genetic tests like this are not yet advanced enough .
The director of the National Institute of Mental Health in the United States says, "These genetic mutations do increase the risk of developing the disease, but it's a very small increase . You can't use that little information to make big decisions about how to treat a patient."
Another expert professor says, "Rather than spending money on a test like this, it's better to consult with the best psychiatrist in your city. He will study your family medical history , your lifestyle, and all your symptoms thoroughly and give you more accurate advice."
The main risk is that someone could be misdiagnosed as bipolar based solely on the results of a test like this. If that happens, they may have to take unnecessary medication, suffer the side effects of those medications, and face the embarrassment of being ostracized from society.
Therefore, it is good to be aware of new technologies like these, but we also need to understand their limitations.
A patient's opinion
"Getting a diagnosis is important," says a 16-year-old who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. "But even more important is accepting the diagnosis and learning to live with it . A diagnosis is not the end of a problem, it's just the beginning."
Take-Home Message
- Bipolar genetic tests that can be done at home cannot tell you for sure whether you have the disease or not .
- These tests only give a very small indication of the risk of developing the disease.
- The best way to accurately diagnose bipolar disorder is to see a qualified doctor or psychiatrist .
- The doctor will provide an accurate diagnosis after carefully studying your symptoms, family history, and other factors.
- Never diagnose yourself with a disease or stop treatment based solely on the results of a test like this. Always talk to your doctor .
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