Here’s Why Bipolar Screening Tests May Be Helpful For You
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According to the National Institute of Mental Health, an estimated 4.4% of American adults will experience symptoms of bipolar disorder in their lifetime. Many affected adults who might or will be experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder, such as mood swings from manic to depressive episodes, may be unaware or undiagnosed.
Bipolar disorder is generally classified as a lifelong mental health condition that causes shifts in mood. These mood swings can interfere with the quality of life of people with bipolar disorder, potentially affecting their career, mental and physical health, and relationships with others. Due to the complex and shifting nature of bipolar disorder, it can be difficult for both individuals and professionals to pinpoint it without ongoing observation or screening.
In this article, we will explore the types of bipolar disorder, as well as possible symptoms and screening tests that might be helpful in determining whether or not you are living with bipolar disorder.
What is bipolar disorder?
“Bipolar disorder is generally characterized by dramatic shifts in mood, energy and activity levels that can affect a person’s ability to carry out day-to-day tasks. These shifts in mood and energy levels can be more severe than the normal ups and downs that are experienced by everyone.” This is how bipolar disorder is defined by the National Institute of Mental Health.
As stated in the medical definition, ups and downs can be experienced differently by every individual, which can make it difficult for some to identify when their personal ups and downs have become extreme. Additionally, there are three main types of bipolar disorder, each of which can present a different range of symptoms.
While there are several additional types of bipolar disorder, the most statistically common types are:
Bipolar I: This is generally diagnosed when a patient has had at least one manic episode that could potentially be preceded or followed by hypomanic or major depressive episodes. In certain cases, mania may trigger a break from reality, which is generally clinically known as psychosis.
Bipolar II: This can be diagnosed when a patient has had at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode without having had a manic episode.
Cyclothymic disorder: This type of bipolar disorder may be diagnosed when a patient has had at least two years of many periods of hypomania symptoms, which can occur alongside periods of depressive symptoms.
Other types of bipolar disorder might be induced by environmental factors or events, such as the use of certain drugs or alcohol. They may also present as the result of a medical condition such as multiple sclerosis, Cushing’s syndrome, or stroke.
Proper diagnosis should generally be sought by a clinician (such as a psychiatrist) before any sort of treatment is considered. Doing this can offer you a higher quality of life and a better overall treatment experience.
What is mania (and hypomania)?
Each type of bipolar disorder can be classified by periods of mania or hypomania. Simply put, mania and hypomania are generally considered to be the “highs” of bipolar disorder, though symptoms of the disorder during these periods can be much more complex.
Per recent research coming out of Europe, researchers have affirmed that “hypomania and mania are periods of overactive and excited behavior that can have a significant impact on your day-to-day life. Hypomania is a milder version of mania that lasts for a short period (usually a few days). Mania is a more severe form that lasts for a longer period (a week or more).”
Common symptoms of mania or hypomania might include:
An increase in activity, energy or agitation
A sense of euphoria or an elevated sense of well-being or self-confidence
A decreased need for sleep
Excessive talking or speaking more quickly than usual
Racing thoughts and difficulty concentrating
Impulsive decision-making, such as risky spending or sexual behaviors
What is major depressive disorder?
Along with periods of mania or hypomania, each type of bipolar disorder might include periods of depression, known as depressive episodes. While they may seem comparable, depressive episodes are distinct from major depressive disorder.
Similar to those of mania or hypomania, the symptoms of a depressive period may disrupt a person’s day-to-day life. For example, someone experiencing a depressive episode may have difficulty showing up for work or other commitments. It is not uncommon for depressive periods to immediately follow periods of mania or hypomania.
Symptoms of depressive episodes can include:
Significant sadness, hopelessness, or excessive crying
A loss of interest or pleasure in social, personal, or work-related activities
Significant weight loss or weight gain
Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
Restlessness or slowed behavior
Fatigue or general loss of energy
Sense of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt
Difficulty concentrating
Suicidal thoughts or ideation
Could a bipolar screening test help?
Bipolar disorder is considered by many to be a lifelong mental health condition that cannot go away on its own. However, there are many treatments available — one approach combines psychotherapy and medication. Prior to receiving treatment, though, an individual may need to undergo a series of screenings to receive an official diagnosis, which may include the following assessments.
Physical examinations
Due to the nature of certain symptoms of the disorder, getting a physical screening from a physician may serve as a helpful first step. For example, physical screenings can be helpful in determining if bipolar disorder is the result of another illness, such as multiple sclerosis.
Psychological assessments
Typically, the most effective method of screening for bipolar disorder is a psychological evaluation that is performed by a specialist. This type of psychological evaluation can be conducted similarly to an interview. As recommended by the National Library of Medicine, the SCID assessment can be a routine part of the bipolar screening process.
During a psychological screening test, you can expect to be asked a number of questions related to possible symptoms of bipolar disorder. They may also ask you about previous diagnoses, recent stress levels, and current self-help strategies. Your assessor or clinician may ask you to reply honestly and to the best of your ability. After you have answered all of the specialist’s questions, they might provide you with feedback or suggestions for the next steps.
The Mood Disorder Questionnaire and other self-report tools
If you are not currently in a position to consult a doctor or mental health professional, you may be able to use a self-report assessment to determine whether to pursue treatment. It is important to note that the results of these tests are not meant to serve as a formal diagnosis. Rather, they seek to support and validate the symptomatic experience of those who may be living with bipolar disorder-related symptoms, possibly prompting them to seek formal support.
The Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) is a brief evaluation tool that assesses the severity of potential bipolar disorder symptoms. The Mood Disorder Questionnaire asks a series of yes-or-no questions, such as, “Has there ever been a period of time when you were not your usual self, and you were so irritable that you shouted at people or started fights or arguments?” Mental Health America offers an online bipolar test that is based on the Mood Disorder Questionnaire, as well as a number of free resources for those seeking help and emotional support.
Due to the lifelong nature of bipolar disorder, it may be helpful to get a screening test if you believe you are experiencing symptoms. Being properly screened for bipolar disorder can often serve as the first step in developing an effective treatment plan, addressing mental health concerns, and achieving a higher quality of life.
Online therapy for bipolar disorder screenings and support
Those looking for support may find that locating and participating in a bipolar screening test will require a different process in each case due to several factors, including location, medical care, and other variables.
Oftentimes, online therapy can serve as a strong first step in the process of screening for bipolar disorder. An online therapist or mental health professional may be able to guide you through your specific process, as well as provide emotional support throughout your journey. This can be achieved from the comfort of your home or another internet-connected safe space, potentially making support more attainable to you.
Effectiveness of online therapy for bipolar disorder
According to research published in the Journal of Mental Health, online cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or “talk therapy” has been scientifically suggested to be equally as effective as in-person therapy — specifically when it comes to the reduction of symptoms of certain mental health conditions like depression and anxiety disorder.
Additionally, CBT may also be used in the treatment process of different types of bipolar disorder, offering patients supportive strategies to lessen the impact of symptoms on their experiences.
Takeaway
What tests are done to diagnose bipolar disorder?
There is currently no single test that assesses a person for bipolar disorder, although there may be in the future. As of now, bipolar disorder is diagnosed following a thorough examination by qualified medical and mental health care professionals. The nuances of bipolar disorder are complex, and it may be easy to mistake it for other conditions. For example, ADHD and bipolar disorder have many overlapping symptoms, and it can be difficult for the average person to distinguish them.
A trained clinician will first establish whether the symptoms a patient describes are enough to raise suspicion of bipolar disorder. They will look for signs of manic, hypomanic, or depressive episodes. They may employ case-finding tools like the Mood Disorder Questionnaire or the Composite International Diagnostic Interview to quantify a patient’s symptoms quickly.
Once initial details is gathered, the clinician will conduct a detailed clinical interview that has the patient answer questions about their medical, social, occupational, and family history. They may order other diagnostic assessments, such as laboratory tests, to rule out other medical conditions. Once all the information has been gathered, the clinician will use their expertise to determine if a diagnosis is warranted based on the patient’s details.
Can you test for bipolar disorder with a blood test?
Bipolar diagnoses are made following a thorough examination by a healthcare professional. At this time, there is not a single blood or laboratory test that can conclusively identify whether a person has bipolar disorder. However, researchers have developed blood tests that can help determine whether someone is at risk of developing bipolar disorder, which may aid clinicians who are differentiating between bipolar and other conditions. There are also blood tests in development that can help medical providers determine which medications are likely to be effective for a specific person.
How do I know if I have bipolar disorder?
The only way to be sure you have bipolar disorder is to get a diagnosis from a healthcare professional. The symptoms of bipolar disorder, like mood dysregulation, impulsivity, lethargy, and irritability, can all be caused by other conditions. It takes a trained professional to discover the root cause of mental health symptoms. Bipolar disorder also requires significant intervention to treat properly, usually a combination of medication and psychotherapy. It is not an illness that should be managed without medical supervision. A mental health professional can likely provide the most accurate answers if you are concerned about bipolar disorders.
How early can bipolar disorder be diagnosed?
Bipolar disorder is commonly diagnosed in late adolescence or adulthood, although children as young as five have received the diagnosis. The diagnosis and presentation of bipolar symptoms in childhood are heavily debated. Some researchers and clinicians feel that other conditions, such as disruptive mood dysregulation disorder, can better explain the presence of depressive and manic episodes in childhood.
Others believe that the biological roots of bipolar disorder could produce symptoms at any age and that bipolar is more likely to be diagnosed in adults because clinicians can better evaluate their life circumstances and family history. Parents may be unable to give all the information that the clinician needs, and a child’s short history may make it challenging to identify patterns. The diagnostic process may take a while, and families usually receive supportive interventions in the meantime.
What triggers bipolar disorder?
The mood changes of bipolar disorder can seem unpredictable at first, but an important part of treating bipolar with psychotherapy is teaching the patient how to recognize when a mood switch is imminent. A person may also learn to avoid certain triggers that are known to increase their risk of a manic or depressive episode. While triggers will be different for everybody, research has found some common themes among those with bipolar disorder.
Evidence suggests that poorly calibrated antidepressant medication is the most significant trigger of manic episodes, highlighting the need for medication to be managed by a medical professional experienced in treating mood disorders. Other manic episode triggers include caffeine, seasonal changes, hormonal shifts, and viral infections. For depressive episodes, common triggers included fasting, insomnia, and stressful life events.
Is bipolar disorder a genetic disease?
Bipolar disorder is not purely a genetic disease, but it has a strong hereditary component. One of the best diagnostic predictors of bipolar disorder is whether a person has a close family member who also has the condition. However, unlike genetic disorders such as Down’s syndrome and Fragile-X syndrome, having a genotype predictive of bipolar disorder does not guarantee a person will develop the condition.
A genetic study of thousands of patients with bipolar revealed a gene sequence that, if present, indicates that bipolar disorder is likely. Although the research is still new, clinicians will likely soon be able to order genetic testing to identify if a person has high-risk genes. If they test positive for the “bipolar gene,” it makes it more likely they have the condition. However, even though researchers identified a gene that is very common in people with bipolar disorder, it does not mean that having that gene sequence is the same as a diagnosis.
What are the red flags of bipolar disorder?
There can be many red flags of bipolar disorder, but two of the most significant are likely the risk of suicide and aggression. The depression symptoms associated with depressive episodes and the impulsivity associated with manic episodes can significantly increase a person’s risk of taking their own life. One of the reasons experts recommend that those with bipolar disorder engage in treatment with a therapist is so that they learn to recognize when their thoughts are turning to suicide or self-harm.
Psychotherapy teaches those with the condition how to anticipate mood changes, impulsivity, and other risk factors of suicide. Similarly, therapists can also help them learn how to recognize and manage aggression, which is a risk associated with manic episodes. It is important to note that there is no evidence to suggest that bipolar people are aggressive or malicious by nature, but the significant shifts in brain chemistry they experience during an episode can change how they make decisions regarding their behavior.
Can you self-diagnose bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder cannot be self-diagnosed, and attempting to manage bipolar symptoms without professional help may lead to further problems. It takes years of experience and training to learn how to differentiate the symptoms of bipolar disorder from other mental health conditions. Many disorders can make it hard to control moods, but they are all assessed and treated differently. Without the expertise of a mental health professional, the average person will likely struggle to evaluate their symptoms adequately. If you’re concerned about bipolar disorder, the best option is to speak to a mental health professional.
What are the five signs of bipolar disorder?
The symptoms of bipolar disorder are usually split into two categories: those that appear during manic episodes and those that arise during depressive episodes.
Common signs of a manic episode may include:
- Intense excitement or happiness
- Abnormally excessive energy
- Insomnia
- Distractibility
- Impulsivity and increased risk-taking
- Agitation and irritability.
Common signs of a depressive episode may include:
- Feeling sad, worthless, and hopeless
- Lack of interest in enjoyable activities
- Low energy
- Forgetfulness
- Indecisiveness
- Thoughts of death or suicide
Can a person with bipolar disorder seem normal?
People with bipolar disorder often lead normal, happy lives, especially if they manage their condition well. Bipolar disorder can be challenging to manage without any help, but those who visit a therapist and take the medication they have been prescribed generally experience a substantial reduction in symptoms.
People usually improve more as treatment progresses; they learn coping skills, tune their medication routines, and assemble a support network of friends and loved ones. While it may be frightening to face a diagnosis of bipolar disorder, there is no evidence to suggest that those with the condition are doomed to be miserable.
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