Bipolar disorder is accompanied by many different symptoms. People can experience very high emotions during their manic phase, as well as very low emotions during their depression phase. Bipolar disorder exhibits many symptoms that are common in different disorders and conditions, which can make it difficult for a doctor to diagnose a person correctly. There is a specific way that doctors diagnose bipolar disorder, and it mostly has to do with the symptoms that a person has, how long they have been showing these symptoms, and when the person’s symptoms changed from with the manic phase to the depression phase, or vice-versa. When you go to see the doctor, you should have a detailed list of your symptoms, and when they happen so your doctor has enough information to diagnose you. Being educated about the diagnostic process, as well as the other conditions you may be experiencing can be helpful when you go to the doctor. Both of you will then have a clear picture of what exactly is going on.
Many other conditions can be diagnosed before or after your diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Many of these conditions have similar symptoms. Some of them are quite common alongside bipolar disorder, and can even make the symptoms of the diseases worse. Many people may be diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. The symptoms that occur when a person has manic highs during bipolar can be exhibited in anxiety. You can have either social anxiety, or generalized anxiety. People may also have ADHD, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder. These two have common symptoms, and in some cases, people may be diagnosed with both. Doctors may also have trouble seeing the difference between bipolar and depression, since part of bipolar has a depression phase. There is a type of bipolar that shows more of the depression phase than the manic phase, which can lead to a misdiagnosis. Schizophrenia is another disease that has overlapping symptoms, so this is another disorder that you could be experiencing instead of bipolar, or doctors may think it is schizophrenia instead of bipolar disorder.
When you are at the doctor, there are a number of things that your doctor will do in order to make sure that they are making the correct diagnosis. They will most likely conduct a psychological evaluation. They will talk with you about your thoughts, behavior patterns, and feelings. There is also usually a self-assessment that you may take with questions about your mood patterns. If the doctor has your permission, they may ask family members and friends to provide information about the symptoms you are experiencing.
Your doctor will most likely have lab tests done before they ask you too many questions. They will want to have blood and urine tests done in order to rule out other causes of your symptoms. They will be looking for the presence of drugs in your system.
Sometimes, a diagnosis can take a long time. This is because your doctor wants to make absolutely sure that you have bipolar and not another condition that has similar symptoms. They may ask you to keep a daily record of your moods and other factors that could be affecting them. Then, when you bring it back, they can see if it fits in line with the symptoms of bipolar, and give you the correct diagnosis.
With all of the other conditions that show similar symptoms to that of bipolar disorder, it can be difficult to get a cohesive diagnosis. Make sure to be open and honest with your doctor about the symptoms you are exhibiting, as well as the different times you have them. Make sure to note changes in your mood, and take every step your doctor wants you to go through seriously. This way, you will be able to receive the correct diagnosis, and receive the right treatment.