Do you feel so energetic and happy that you could conquer the world on some days? But on other days, do you feel so sad and empty that you can't even get out of bed? We know how difficult it is to live with such dramatic changes in mood. Today, we're going to talk about a condition called bipolar disorder , which is talked about but not fully understood by many people, and how a doctor can accurately diagnose it.
What is the most important thing for diagnosis?
We usually think that to diagnose an illness, we need something like a blood test or a scan. However, when it comes to diagnosing bipolar disorder, the story is a little different. In fact, the most important and powerful tool you have to diagnose this condition is an open conversation with your doctor.
The more honest and open you are with your doctor about your mood swings, your behavior patterns, sleep changes, and lifestyle habits, the more accurate your diagnosis will be. While a physical exam can give you an idea of your general health, your doctor will learn about the symptoms of bipolar disorder from you.
What exactly does the doctor want to know?
A bipolar diagnosis is not something that is made overnight. Just because you have mood swings from day to day doesn't mean you have bipolar. A doctor will diagnose it by carefully studying the severity of your symptoms, how long they last, and how often they occur .
Simply put, the doctor looks for things like:
- Mania or Hypomania: During these periods, your mood may be unusually high. You may also feel irritable or restless. You may also have increased energy, decreased sleep, and a rapid rate of thinking and speaking.
- Depression : During these times, you feel extreme sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest in anything, and a complete loss of energy.
To accurately assess these symptoms, psychiatrists use a special guidebook from the American Psychiatric Association (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - DSM-5).
In addition, the doctor will definitely ask you about these things:
- Your personal history: things that have happened in your life, your relationships, your job , etc.
- Family history: Since bipolar disorder may have a genetic link, it's important to find out if anyone in your family has the disorder, depression, or other mental illnesses. (But remember, not everyone with bipolar disorder has a family history.)
Are there other conditions that look like bipolar disorder?
Yes, absolutely. There are many other causes of mood swings and erratic behavior. These are some of the conditions that can be mistaken for bipolar disorder.
| Condition / Cause | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Other mental illnesses | Mood swings can also be caused by substance abuse problems, borderline personality disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and anxiety-related illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). |
| Other physical illnesses | Symptoms of infections such as thyroid disease, lupus, HIV, and syphilis can sometimes resemble symptoms of bipolar disorder. |
| Some medications | Just think, steroid medications like prednisone, which are used to treat conditions like asthma and rheumatoid arthritis, can cause major mood swings in some people. |
That's why a doctor thinks about all of these things, conducts the necessary tests, and rules out all of these before making a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
How do you prepare before going to see the doctor?
If you prepare a little before you meet the doctor, it will be much easier for both you and the doctor.
Sometimes, those around us can notice changes in our behavior better than we can. So it's a good idea to bring a trusted friend or family member with you to this doctor's appointment.
It would be great if you could write these things down in a book:
- Write down your symptoms: feelings of extreme happiness, extreme sadness, changes in energy, changes in sleep , and changes in the way you speak.
- Unusual behaviors: Things you did that you later thought about and wondered "why did I do that" (e.g. spending a lot of money suddenly, making rash decisions).
- Family medical history: As mentioned earlier, ask if anyone in your family has had a history of mental illness.
- Medications you are taking: Bring all medications you are currently taking (including those for other conditions), vitamins, and herbal products to show your doctor.
- Be honest about your lifestyle habits: whether you exercise, your diet, smoking, alcohol or other drug use.
- Stress in life: Talk about stressful situations at work, in marriage, and in relationships.
- Questions you have: Write down everything you want to know about bipolar and ask your doctor.
Can't this be detected with brain scans?
This is a question that many people ask. Currently, there is no brain scan (MRI, CT scan) or blood test that can confirm bipolar disorder.
However, sometimes a doctor may order a scan like this. It's not to confirm bipolar disorder. It's to rule out another neurological condition, such as a brain tumor or stroke, as the cause of your symptoms.
Although research is currently underway to find information about bipolar disorder through brain activity tests such as EEG and MRI, this is still a clinical diagnosis based primarily on symptoms and discussion with the patient.
What do you do if you suspect that someone close to you is bipolar?
If you notice these changes in the behavior of a loved one, it can be a very painful experience. Here are some things you can do:
1. Talk to it: Talk to it about what's on your mind and the changes you see, lovingly, kindly, and non-accusatively.
2. Help: Ask if you can make an appointment to see a doctor. Say you'd like to go with him.
3. Write down the details: Before talking to the doctor, write down any changes in behavior (excessive happiness, anger, sadness), personality changes, and drug use that you have noticed.
4. Tell him about your medications: Give the doctor details about every medication he is taking.
Remember, your support and understanding are the greatest strength he has at this time.
Take-Home Message
- Bipolar disorder is primarily diagnosed not through blood tests or scans, but through a deep and open discussion between you and your doctor.
- Talking honestly about your symptoms, behaviors, and family history is essential for an accurate diagnosis.
- A complete medical examination is important, as other physical illnesses and medications can cause symptoms similar to bipolar disorder.
- Preparing before seeing the doctor (writing down information, bringing a loved one) can make the diagnostic process easier.
- With proper diagnosis and treatment, bipolar disorder can be successfully managed and lead a good life. So don't be afraid to seek help.
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