A member asked:

Can a psychiatrist diagnose a bipolar disorder without any lab tests or a physical exam?

10 doctors weighed in across 3 answers

Yes: Psychiatrists are trained to be able to perform an evaluation using a diagnostic interview. During the interview, the individual's symptoms are carefully reviewed as well as other pertinent areas of history of the patient. The psychiatric diagnostic evaluation and interview session also includes a mental status examination. Usually lab tests are used to rule out associated condition, ie-thyroid.

Answered 6/14/2018

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Dr. Pamela Pappas answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder has no specific laboratory tests associated with it, but psychiatrists often do screening labs such as thyroid panels, etc to help rule out other complicating conditions. Typically, psychiatrists do not do physical exams. Bipolar disorder is diagnosed through careful history and mental status exam. Corroborating info from family and past medical records is part of this also.

Answered 12/9/2013

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Dr. Alan Ali answered

Specializes in Psychiatry

Bipolar Dx: Good history-taking, to include family history, mental status exam, and mood disorder rating scales.

Answered 10/4/2016

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