Diagnosis & Symptoms
These pages contain articles and links regarding information about the characteristics and symptoms of bipolar disorder (manic depression), diagnostic criteria, and what the warning signs of depression, mania and suicide look like to an observer.
Is There a Bipolar Disorder Test?
A lot of people would love for there to be a bipolar disorder test. The truth is, there are no tests for bipolar disorder - yet. But genetic science may one day provide the means to test for mood disorders, so a future bipolar disorder test is not impossible.
A lot of people would love for there to be a bipolar disorder test. The truth is, there are no tests for bipolar disorder - yet. But genetic science may one day provide the means to test for mood disorders, so a future bipolar disorder test is not impossible.
How is Bipolar Disorder Diagnosed?
Diagnosing bipolar disorder is not as easy as diagnosing a cold or even diabetes. It takes time and careful analysis of the patient's mental, medical and family history.
Diagnosing bipolar disorder is not as easy as diagnosing a cold or even diabetes. It takes time and careful analysis of the patient's mental, medical and family history.
Diagnosing BP: Ruling Out Other Physical Conditions
Bipolar Disorder is a difficult condition to diagnose. There are a number of physical conditions that can mimic the presentation of or have similar symptoms to bipolar disorder. This article outlines these illnesses.
Bipolar Disorder is a difficult condition to diagnose. There are a number of physical conditions that can mimic the presentation of or have similar symptoms to bipolar disorder. This article outlines these illnesses.
Diagnosing BP: Ruling Out Other Psychiatric Conditions
The list is rather long of psychiatric conditions with symptoms similar to those of bipolar disorder. To further complicate the picture, most of these disorders can also occur concomitantly with bipolar disorder. Here is a review of the major conditions that fall into this category.
The list is rather long of psychiatric conditions with symptoms similar to those of bipolar disorder. To further complicate the picture, most of these disorders can also occur concomitantly with bipolar disorder. Here is a review of the major conditions that fall into this category.
Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder Versus Major Depression
Many people are first diagnosed with depression or anxiety when they actually have bipolar disorder. Research in this area indicates one in two will first be told they have depression and one in four will be told they have anxiety. Researchers have been able to identify five predictors that accurately predict when those diagnosed with depression actually have bipolar disorder.
Many people are first diagnosed with depression or anxiety when they actually have bipolar disorder. Research in this area indicates one in two will first be told they have depression and one in four will be told they have anxiety. Researchers have been able to identify five predictors that accurately predict when those diagnosed with depression actually have bipolar disorder.
Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
The hallmark symptom of bipolar disorder is mood swings of depression and mania. It can also feature mixed episodes, rapid cycling, psychotic features and other complications. Suicide is another serious issue for those diagnosed with this disorder. Further, a great deal more is now known about the symptoms associated with early-onset bipolar disorder in children.
The hallmark symptom of bipolar disorder is mood swings of depression and mania. It can also feature mixed episodes, rapid cycling, psychotic features and other complications. Suicide is another serious issue for those diagnosed with this disorder. Further, a great deal more is now known about the symptoms associated with early-onset bipolar disorder in children.
Why Can't I Accept My Diagnosis?
Perhaps one explanation may be a physical condition known as anosognosia. This condition, believed to be caused by damage to the right side of the brain, affects as many as 40 percent of those with bipolar disorder.
Perhaps one explanation may be a physical condition known as anosognosia. This condition, believed to be caused by damage to the right side of the brain, affects as many as 40 percent of those with bipolar disorder.
Red Flags to Common Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder - Warning Signs and Behaviors
Behaviors and symptoms that are warning signs of Bipolar Disorder in adults and children.
Behaviors and symptoms that are warning signs of Bipolar Disorder in adults and children.
Diagnosis in Doubt
From the “I’m Bipolar” series. At five months from diagnosis, the author is in limbo, not sure whether Bipolar Disorder is the right diagnosis.
From the “I’m Bipolar” series. At five months from diagnosis, the author is in limbo, not sure whether Bipolar Disorder is the right diagnosis.
I'm Bipolar?
Today I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. How did I get here, and what does it mean for me?
Today I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. How did I get here, and what does it mean for me?
Regaining Perspective
A few suggestions for regaining perspective in living with the realities of Bipolar Disorder.
A few suggestions for regaining perspective in living with the realities of Bipolar Disorder.
Taking Stock
From the “I’m Bipolar” series at 12 weeks after diagnosis, the author's mood, though stable and even comfortable, is not acceptable.
From the “I’m Bipolar” series at 12 weeks after diagnosis, the author's mood, though stable and even comfortable, is not acceptable.
Bipolar I Disorder
A technical presentation of diagnostic criteria for Bipolar Disorder type I as presented by Internet Mental Health.
A technical presentation of diagnostic criteria for Bipolar Disorder type I as presented by Internet Mental Health.
Bipolar Symptoms
Bipolar disorder is often not recognized by the patient, relatives, friends, or even physicians. In its early stages, bipolar disorder may masquerade as a problem other than mental illness. Found here is an overview of symptoms that can be associated with this disorder.
Bipolar disorder is often not recognized by the patient, relatives, friends, or even physicians. In its early stages, bipolar disorder may masquerade as a problem other than mental illness. Found here is an overview of symptoms that can be associated with this disorder.
Diagnostic Categories for Bipolar Disorder
This article lists six forms of bipolar disorder, and discusses the characteristics of the most common forms.
This article lists six forms of bipolar disorder, and discusses the characteristics of the most common forms.
Finding Bipolar Disorder with MRI
Researchers continue to push to find a tool such as magnetic resonance imagers (MRIs) to diagnose bipolar disorder. John Port of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, shares, "I'm dedicating the rest of my career to coming up with an imaging test that will help psychiatrists diagnose bipolar disorder and other illnesses.�
Researchers continue to push to find a tool such as magnetic resonance imagers (MRIs) to diagnose bipolar disorder. John Port of the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, shares, "I'm dedicating the rest of my career to coming up with an imaging test that will help psychiatrists diagnose bipolar disorder and other illnesses.�
European Diagnostic Criteria
A technical presentation of diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder in Europe.
A technical presentation of diagnostic criteria for bipolar disorder in Europe.