Question 1

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 2

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 3

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 4

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 5

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 6

can you consider me bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

See below: To diagnose someone with bipolar disorder, the person should undergo a thorough evaluation, past history, behaviors, etc. The evaluation is usually done face to face. It's impossible to say whether you have bipolar or not with the info presented. Take care.

Question 7

what are symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Many: Several and might include depression, mood swings, and mania. 
Online questionnaires are available for the public.
Check the mood disorder questionnaire at:
www.Dbsalliance.Org/pdfs/mdq.Pdfsimilar
bring it to your md for further instructions.

Question 8

how to tell if i have bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar: Moods swing to extremes, between episodes of depression lasting around few weeks & phases of mania lasting few weeks each. Milder forms are called bipolar type 2 or cyclothymia, more severe forms are accompanied with psychotic symptoms such as hearing voices or seeing things that are not there. Your mental health counselor can assess & give more definite diagnosis.

Question 9

what worsens symptoms of bipolar disorder?

Accepted Answer

Bipolar: Not taking meds regularly, drinking, drug abuse, excess caffeine, poor sleep hygiene, poor diet and lack of exercise.  Sometimes antidepressant meds make bipolar worse.  Usual treatment is with mood stabilizers. Antidepressants may be tried in addition is used sparingly and temporarily.

Question 10

describe the features of bipolar disorder.?

Accepted Answer

Depression & mania: Formerly "manic depression, " bipolar disorder includes periods of major depression, & other periods of mania or hypomania.  Although there is a "mixed" type where these periods overlap, most bipolar disorder has long & separate times of either low or high mood, making it different than short-term "mood swings".  Meds usually treat bipolar well. For lots of good info, see: http://tinyurl.Com/c2qry8.

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