Bipolar Disorder Test

Bipolar Disorder can prove to be one of the most problematic mental disorders which can also bring about the onset of other psychological disorders. Also known as manic depression and manic depressive disorder, the definition of bipolar disorder is a serious mental ailment that can lead to erratic behavior which may cause severe strain and problems in normal life, relationships, work etc. If not treated in time, this disorder may also lead to suicidal tendencies.

Mood Changes

One of the leading symptoms of bipolar disorder is extreme mood changes. Since moods are also known as poles, the disorder is known as bipolar disorder. A patient of bipolar disorder usually faces drastic mood swings from depression to mania and so on. The patient will also experience many phases of normalcy between these two mood extremes.

This is perhaps the most misleading phase of the causes of bipolar disorders since the patient and people surrounding him/her feel that things are back to normal. However, this is exactly why bipolar disorder is so hard to disorder as it continues to come back to haunt a patient like a snake in the grass.

Bipolar Disorder Diagnosis

The easiest way to carry out bipolar disorder diagnosis is to keep a close eye on the patient’s mood swings. Patients of bipolar disorders face a peak in mood swings in the form of mania which increases energy levels, restlessness, reckless behavior, talkativeness etc. which are all a result of a euphoric state of mind. This may also lead to impulsive sex and exorbitant spending sprees. The other extreme to look out for during bipolar disorder diagnosis is the phase of depression when a patient experiences a mood that is quite the opposite of mania. This is characterized by looming sadness, loss of energy and even appetite, a sense of worthlessness etc.

Once bipolar disorder diagnosis is complete and the results affirm the existence of the disorder, the patient must undergo a bipolar disorder test in order to confirm the fears.

The following methods are used to test for bipolar disorder:

– The first stage of bipolar disorder test includes a physical examination checking for vital signs, blood pressure, heart rate, weight, height, temperature and so on.

– Another step for test for bipolar disorder includes a lab test which may include urine and blood tests. These tests can be useful in spotting certain physical symptoms that are characteristic to bipolar disorder.

– In the next stage of bipolar disorder test, the patient is put through a psychological evaluation where the patient’s thought patterns, behavior, feelings and emotions are put under the scanner. These tests may also include self-assessment questionnaires and interviews of friends and family members.

– Again, another stage of test for bipolar disorder will include mood charting wherein the doctor may be required to keep a close eye on daily mood patterns in order to get a clearer understanding of the nature of the disorder. This is extremely important for the doctor to determine the required type of counseling or even medication if required. This step is imperative to determine the required path of treatment.