Bipolar disease, also known as manic depression, is a mental illness where the patient experiences massive mood swings. Nearly 6 million people suffer from bipolar disorders, according to The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance. People may go from feeling energized and extremely happy during the mania period to extremely sad and hopeless during the depressive state. There are periods of normal moods between the high and low states. The disorder commonly surfaces during the late teen and early adulthood years.
Step 1
Visit with a doctor for an initial exam. The exam will include an interview, lab work and physical exam. Bipolar disorder cannot be diagnosed through lab tests or brain scans; however, these procedures may diagnose or rule out any underlying disease processes. A recommendation for an exam by a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, is common. Doctors who specialize in mental health disorders will be able to diagnose a mental disorder more accurately.
Step 2
During the mental health diagnostic exam, the patient's genetics and family history will be examined. Family members are commonly asked to explain signs of mental illness they witness during everyday activities. Discuss all symptoms so the doctor can make an accurate diagnosis. Giving examples of the mania stage is critical so a person is not misdiagnosed with severe depression.
Step 3
Understand the signs and symptoms of the disease. Manic states include extreme optimism and self-confidence. A person may experience an overwhelming amount of increased energy and increase physical activity. Decreased amounts of sleep are required. Speech is fast and sometimes rambling. Depressive states are extreme period of low self-confidence. A person may have suicidal thoughts. Exhaustion, feeling sleepy through out the day and irritability are signs a person may be in the depressive cycle of bipolar disorder.
