Guess Writer Kelly Everson

It can take up to several years before a person is diagnosed with bipolar disorder. This is mainly due to the fact that bipolar symptoms are easily mistaken for other mental conditions. It can be difficult for friends and family members of a bipolar patient to identify the symptoms of this condition. A doctor may also misdiagnose bipolar disorder for different illnesses like depression or schizophrenia. To make accurate diagnosis, doctors can identify certain signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder including hypomania and mania. Other than physical examination, doctors can perform specialized lab tests for accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder

To diagnose and effectively treat bipolar disorder, it can only be done by carefully observing and noting symptoms, including their duration, severity, and frequency. Changes in moods happen quite often and can’t be effectively used to diagnose bipolar disorder. Patients with bipolar disorder usually experience periods of unusual elevation often coupled with an increase in energy, irritation, sleeplessness, and fast thinking or hasty speech. To diagnose this mental condition, doctors use a structured criterion from the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).

Bipolar Disorder History

Mental health experts like psychiatrists or psychologists question patients they suspected to be suffering from bipolar disorder about personal and family history of their mental health illness. This is mainly because bipolar disorder has been seen to run in families due to genes. However, majority of people with bipolar disorder lack a family history of the mental illness. The doctor will also dig deeper in trying to understand your bipolar symptoms. You may be asked questions focusing on memory, reasoning, relationships, and ability to express yourself.

Mental Illness That Imitate Bipolar Disorder

Other mental illnesses can mimic bipolar disorder symptoms including:

• Impulsive control disorders
• Borderline personality disorder
• Attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder
• Substance use disorders
• Anxiety disorders
• Developmental disorder

Some symptoms associated with bipolar disorder are also common with other mental illnesses. For instance, psychosis, commonly characterized by hallucinations and delusions, can occur in bipolar disorder and other psychiatric problems like schizophrenia or depression. Additionally, patients suffering from bipolar disorder may also experience symptoms like anxiety disorders, substance abuse disorders, or personality disorders. This can make bipolar disorder more complex to present its symptoms and may need independent treatment approaches. Other illnesses like thyroid disease, HIV, lupus and syphilis can also mimic symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. This can pose major challenges in diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder.

There are other illnesses that may resemble an elation period like in mania but can be easily distinguished from bipolar disorder. Examples include elation in mood triggered by substance abuse or musculoskeletal injuries.

When to See a Doctor

If you suspect that you could be suffering from bipolar disorder, you can ease its diagnosis by listing all the symptoms you experience reflecting mania, hypomania, or depression. Although you should pay more attention to changes in your mood, also focus on changes in sleep patter, appetite, thinking, speech and general behavior. Carry out a research about your family history to find out if other members or relatives have experienced bipolar disorder. Providing a family history can help to support a suspected case of bipolar disorder and recommend appropriate treatment approaches.

Seek Company

If you suspect that you are suffering from bipolar disorder, it is very important to request your spouse, close friend or a family member to accompany you when going for a diagnosis. In most cases, people who are close to you are more aware of your unusual conducts and are in a better position to describe them in details to your doctor. Presenting the following information can help your doctor easily diagnose bipolar disorder:

• Your physical and mental health worries
• All the symptoms you have experienced
• Weird behaviors you might have noticed
• Family history of mental illnesses
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Previous medical conditions
• Previously used illicit drugs or prescribed medications
• Natural dietary supplements you might have been using
• Possible stressing issues including from relationships or work
• Lifestyle habits including diet, smoking, alcohol use or exercises

References

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Conclusion

Bipolar disorder is not easily diagnosed particularly if patients don’t present useful information to mental health experts. Though bipolar disorder diagnosis involves physical, mental and blood tests, its symptoms can mimic other psychiatric illness and make it difficult for doctors to carry out definitive diagnosis. It is therefore important to write down all the symptoms you may notice when suffering from mental issues, let alone bipolar disorder. Don’t forget to request a person next to you to give you company when going for bipolar diagnosis.

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Ramon Garcia