A Guide to Bipolar Tests

Bipolar disorder affects millions of individuals around the globe. This disease most commonly appears during the teen or adult years, however it can also manifest in childhood. Symptoms of bipolar disorder include depressive and manic episodes that may feature periods of normal functioning in between. If you think that you or a family member have this disorder, you will need to seek professional medical attention. Your doctor will administer a series of bipolar tests or refer you to a psychiatrist to have them administered and evaluated.

Your doctor will probably want to rule out any underlying medical conditions that could be causing or contributing to your symptoms. For example, various thyroid disorders, adrenal disorders, neurological disorders and some vitamin deficiencies can cause symptoms that are similar to those of bipolar disorder. Once these factors are ruled out, a variety of psychological tests will be used to determine whether or not a definitive diagnosis of bipolar can be reached. In addition to these psychological tests, you will be asked a variety of questions about your health history, health habits, lifestyle and symptoms.

There are four different types of bipolar. Bipolar I is what many people consider classic manic depression and consists of depressive and manic episodes, sometimes with normal periods in between. Bipolar II is similar to Bipolar I, with one difference. Instead of mania, episodes are hypomanic. Hypomania is a milder form of mania. The third type of bipolar disorder is cyclothymic disorder, which is mild yet unpredictable. Finally, bipolar disorder may fall into the unspecified category if it does not fit into any of the other categories.

After bipolar tests have been evaluated and a diagnosis has been made, treatment will begin. Treatment will most often consist of medication combined with psychotherapy. Commonly prescribed medications for bipolar disorder include antidepressants, antipsychotics and mood stabilizers. Antidepressants are often used along with mood stabilizers as they can sometimes trigger mania. Antipsychotics are usually used on a short term basis to treat severe episodes of depression or mania, or psychotic occurrences during such episodes. Your doctor will inform you of the various treatment options available and the risks and benefits of each one. With the right treatment, individuals suffering from bipolar disorder can manage their illness and lead normal lives with a minimum of symptoms.

Copyright 2007 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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