How can Bipolar Disorder be detected?

Answer 1

It really takes a trained and licensed Mental Health professional to make the diagnosis of Bipolar disorder. In making the diagnosis, the Mental Health professional would likely use the criteria found in the DSM-IVtr, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision, published by the American Psychiatric Association.

Mental Disorders, such as Bipolar Disorder, are diagnosed by first creating a history or biography of the patient, then by interviews with the patient and possibly collateral interviews with family or friends. Sometimes, psychological testing can be useful as well.

The data gathered from the history, interviews and tests would be organized and written out in the form of a report called an evaluation. The conclusion of the evaluation would the diagnosis. This would be arrived at by comparing the diagnostic criteria for Bipolar Disorder in the DSM-IVtr, with the data gathered. If they agree, one of the components of the diagnosis would be Bipolar Disorder.

The diagnostic criteria for Bipolar are too long to include here, but the kernel revolves around the idea of alternating periods of depression or extreme sadness, and mania or extreme elation.

Diagnosing Bipolar, or any other mental illness, is much more complicated and subtle than the barest outline given here. Diagnosis of mental illness should not be attempted by anyone not trained to do so. Someone trained to diagnose is almost certain to be professionally qualified and licensed by the local government. Amateurs attempting to diagnose Mental Illness can cause a great deal of misery and grief, not only for their victims, but also themselves. Do not try this at home.