Question 1

what causes bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Multifactorial: Bipolar disorder is a type of mood disorder. It's origin can be multifactorial, genetics plays a big role into it, so having a  family member with bipolar disorder or other mood disorder puts you at a increase risk compared to the general population. Other things like biological factors such as history of drugs can presipitate bipolar like symptoms.

Question 2

have bipolar disorder a test?

Accepted Answer

History: No lab or radiologic test, nor physical exam, can test for bipolar. Perhaps one day as there are strong indications it is a brain condition with a genetic background. But for now, it's a patient's history of modd changes, cognition and behavior that makes the diagnosis. In truth, this method works quite well, having been refined since antiquity.

Question 3

can kids get bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Yes, most patients start bipolar disorder in childhood.  The earlier a child is treated, the less likely the child will continue on to have bipolar symptoms in adulthood. See: http://www.Thebalancedmind.Org/  also see the great book by janet wozniak, md "is your child bipolar?".

Question 4

is bipolar disorder hereditary?

Accepted Answer

Genetics: Bipolar disorder has been found to have some hereditary basis. This doesn't mean that there is a 100% chance that the offsoring of someone with bipolar d/o will enx up with it as well, but rather there is more likelihood as compared to the general population. I believe bipolar d/ o is now the 2nd highezt of mental d/o, being surpassed by adhd.

Question 5

how to manage bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Treating bipolar : Successful management of bipolar disorder involved medication as indicated, avoiding alcohol and substance use, good sleep habits, and regular exercise.

Question 6

how is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Clinical exam: Although in the future we may have blood tests or functional MRI scans that can diagnose the disorder, for now the only way to diagnose bipolar is to see a counselor or doctor who can diagnose the condition based on history and exam.

Question 7

what is atypical bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar disorder : That cannot be classified into any of the mood disorder categories of dsm-v, but which clearly has manic components as necessary for the diagnosis and likely depressive components as well. Psychosis may or may not be present. A full manic or hypomanic episode has not occurred but in the clinicians judgment the condition is a mood disorder of a cyclical nature and therefore it is seen as not having full component of symptoms necessary for the full bipolar diagnosis. Of interest however is that atypical bipolar disorder is actually more common than the more classic bipolar disorder subtypes.

Question 8

how to deal with bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Bp: Get professional help - still takes avg of 10 years to get diagnosed with bp. 
Treat with mood stabilizer and counseling.

Question 9

how do you define bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

See DSM criteria: You can look up the exact criteria used in research studies to learn more about it by searching online.  The phrase "bipolar" is often overused, cheapening a formal diagnosis.  It encompasses large swings in mood/energy/speed of thoughts/behavior which may last days/weeks at a time.  See your local psychiatrist or primary care doctor for screening.  Meds are most helpful but counseling can help.

Question 10

can weed help with bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Most likely not: Bipolar disorder entails mood lability and also struggles with excessive euphoria and disinhibition.  The abuse of marijuana may lead to exacerbation of these phenomena for some individuals.  Could we imagine scenarios where marijuana could help someone with bipolar disorder at certain phases of their illness?  Perhaps, however I do not believe that any of us are smart enough how to time it right.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Bipolar disorder

A member asked:

What causes bipolar disorder?

A member asked:

Have bipolar disorder a test?

A member asked:

Can kids get bipolar disorder?

A member asked:

Is bipolar disorder hereditary?

A member asked:

How to manage bipolar disorder?

A member asked:

How is bipolar disorder diagnosed?

A member asked:

What is atypical bipolar disorder?

A member asked:

How to deal with bipolar disorder?

A member asked:

How do you define bipolar disorder?

A member asked:

Can weed help with bipolar disorder?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?