A wide range of moods and behaviors that range from extreme depressive lows to energetic manic highs characterizes bipolar disorder. Also called manic depression, the Mayo Clinic reports that screening for bipolar symptoms can be difficult because the range of symptoms is so vast and varies between patients. Many people with the disorder do not receive a proper diagnosis and are at a high risk for suicide and substance abuse.
Considerations
People with bipolar disorder often don't report the symptoms to doctors because they fear they are weak or do not recognize the symptoms as signs of a serious illness, report researchers at the Mayo Clinic. Patients who don't realize how badly their lives are affected often enjoy the periods of euphoria that allow them to be productive and energetic. The lows that follow often are attributed to being tired or having spent so much energy in one burst. When thoughts of suicide become apparent, people should seek help and report the mood swings in order to receive screening and treatment for the illness.
Tests
Initial screening for bipolar disorder usually includes a battery of physical examinations to rule out other conditions. A complete physical exam checks for heart and lung health, thyroid complications, blood pressure and blood count levels. Height, weight and growth functions are checked as well as other blood tests and a urinalysis. Doctors look for indications of a stroke or brain tumor to explain the symptoms.
Psychological Evaluation
A physician or mental health provider interviews the patient to find thought, feeling and behavior patterns. A psychological assessment test may be given and patients are required to provide information about alcohol and drug use. Oftentimes, family members and close friends may be questioned about the various mood swings they've noticed to provide additional insight into the level of the condition and complete the screening process.
Diagnosis
People are diagnosed with bipolar disorder who display drastic mood swings for most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 1 or 2 weeks in a row, reports the National Institute of Health (NIH). It is important for patients to be able to report a timeline of the symptoms to receive a proper diagnosis. Symptoms can range from severe episodic depression to chronically moderate low feelings. At the other end of the scale, patients may appear well adjusted and able to perform at maximum capacity or develop hallucinations and delusions. A diagnosis of bipolar typically is given following a 2-week episode of manic or depressive behavior that is abnormal for the individual.
Mild Cases
While patients may not present with the extreme changes found in those with Bipolar I disorder, screening often turns up milder cases of the disorder that require treatment. Patterns may not be as explosive or radical, but are chronic and continued over a period of time. When symptoms are clearly out of the normal range of behavior for the person, screening can help to diagnose a mild case of bipolar disorder, or Bipolar II. Researchers at the NIH report that bipolar disorder worsens over time, making early diagnosis important through proper screening and reporting procedures.
