Tests & Treatments- MADELINE, O.
Tests:
There is no single test to confirm the condition; most often, a combination of methods is used to make a diagnosis. If someone is experiencing shifts in mood that affect their daily life, then they go to see a doctor. The doctor will perform a physical exam and may also order lab tests, including blood and urine analyses. These tests can help determine if other conditions or factors could be causing your symptoms. Sometimes, certain thyroid issues cause symptoms that are similar to those of bipolar disorder. Symptoms may also be a side effect of other medications. After other possible causes are ruled out, your doctor will likely refer you to a mental health specialist. A psychiatrist or psychologist will ask questions to assess your overall mental health. Testing for bipolar disorder involves questions about symptoms, how long they’ve occurred, and how they may disrupt your life. The specialist will also ask you about certain risk factors for bipolar, and this includes questions about family medical history and any history of drug abuse. The diagnosis for bipolar requires at least one depressive and one manic or hypomanic episode. Your mental health specialist will ask about your thoughts and feelings during and after these episodes. They will want to know if you feel in control during the mania and how long the episodes last. They might ask your permission to ask friends and family about your behavior. Any diagnosis will take into account other aspects of your medical history and medications you have taken. To be exact with a diagnosis, doctors use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM provides a technical and detailed description of bipolar disorder.
Brian Krans(2017). Diagnosis Guide for Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-diagnosis-guide#overview1.
There is no single test to confirm the condition; most often, a combination of methods is used to make a diagnosis. If someone is experiencing shifts in mood that affect their daily life, then they go to see a doctor. The doctor will perform a physical exam and may also order lab tests, including blood and urine analyses. These tests can help determine if other conditions or factors could be causing your symptoms. Sometimes, certain thyroid issues cause symptoms that are similar to those of bipolar disorder. Symptoms may also be a side effect of other medications. After other possible causes are ruled out, your doctor will likely refer you to a mental health specialist. A psychiatrist or psychologist will ask questions to assess your overall mental health. Testing for bipolar disorder involves questions about symptoms, how long they’ve occurred, and how they may disrupt your life. The specialist will also ask you about certain risk factors for bipolar, and this includes questions about family medical history and any history of drug abuse. The diagnosis for bipolar requires at least one depressive and one manic or hypomanic episode. Your mental health specialist will ask about your thoughts and feelings during and after these episodes. They will want to know if you feel in control during the mania and how long the episodes last. They might ask your permission to ask friends and family about your behavior. Any diagnosis will take into account other aspects of your medical history and medications you have taken. To be exact with a diagnosis, doctors use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM provides a technical and detailed description of bipolar disorder.
Brian Krans(2017). Diagnosis Guide for Bipolar Disorder. Retrieved from http://www.healthline.com/health/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-diagnosis-guide#overview1.
Treatments:
Once you're diagnosed as bipolar, treatment will begin. Treatment is best guided by a psychiatrist who is skilled in treating bipolar and related disorders. You may have a treatment team that also includes a psychologist, social worker and psychiatric nurse. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, so treatment is directed at managing symptoms. Treatment may include:
Mayo Clinic Staff(2017). Bipolar disorder Treatment. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20308001.
Once you're diagnosed as bipolar, treatment will begin. Treatment is best guided by a psychiatrist who is skilled in treating bipolar and related disorders. You may have a treatment team that also includes a psychologist, social worker and psychiatric nurse. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, so treatment is directed at managing symptoms. Treatment may include:
- Medications- Often, you'll need to start taking medications to balance your moods right away.
- Continued treatment- Bipolar disorder requires lifelong treatment with medications, even during periods when you feel better. People who skip maintenance treatment are at high risk of a relapse of symptoms or having minor mood changes turn into full-blown mania or depression.
- Day treatment programs- Your doctor may recommend a day treatment program. These programs provide the support and counseling you need while you get symptoms under control.
- Substance abuse treatment- If you have problems with alcohol or drugs, you'll also need substance abuse treatment. Otherwise, it can be very difficult to manage bipolar disorder.
- Hospitalization- Your doctor may recommend hospitalization if you're behaving dangerously, you feel suicidal or you become detached from reality (psychotic). Getting psychiatric treatment at a hospital can help keep you calm and safe and stabilize your mood, whether you're having a manic or major depressive episode.
Mayo Clinic Staff(2017). Bipolar disorder Treatment. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/treatment/txc-20308001.