Diagnosis for bipolar disorder? You won't know until you see a doctor
In our culture, people throw the term “bipolar” around casually, often in jest. “I think I’m bipolar!” you might hear, when someone has an extreme reaction to something, or when they experience a range of emotions in rapid succession. When it comes to our health and symptoms we might be experiencing, we also tend to self-diagnose. We’ll go in search of a diagnosis for bipolar disorder online despite having a limited understanding of psychology and mental health issues ourselves.
But bipolar disorder — what was once called “manic depression” — has certain characteristics that only a mental health professional has the skills and training to diagnose.
Am I bipolar? Mood changes vs. bipolar disorder
On the other hand, certain behaviors may more likely be associated with a bipolar diagnosis, such as:
- Spending beyond your budget
- Having angry outbursts not linked to a specific issue or stimulus
- Engaging in risky activities that jeopardize your safety
It can be confusing to try to figure out if life is changing and you’re the one wanting things to be constant, or whether you’re the one changing and life is simply not meeting your expectations or need for constancy. This is where a mental health professional can really make a difference, taking away some of the doubt, fear and worry and helping you find answers and clarity.
Causes and types of bipolar disorder
- Have a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorder
- Experience periods of high stress, such as the death of a loved one or another traumatic event
- Abuse drugs or alcohol
Bipolar disorder is complex, and self-diagnosis is inadequate and often inaccurate, especially given that there are four types of bipolar disorder:
- Bipolar I disorder – defined by manic episodes, such as feeling exceedingly energized and elated or irritable and volatile, that last for more than seven days; often in combination with depressive episodes, feeling sad, extremely low and hopeless
- Bipolar II disorder – defined by “hypomanic” or less severe manic episodes along with depressive episodes, but not as extreme as bipolar I
- Cyclothymic disorder – defined by depressive symptoms lasting at least two years along with hypomanic symptoms
- Bipolar disorder due to another medical or substance abuse disorder – defined by manic and depressive symptoms triggered by drug and alcohol use, or some other physical condition
Diagnosis for bipolar disorder can relieve uncertainty
When it comes to mental health, people often wait far too long to get the help they need. Emotional and psychological issues don’t present like physical “wounds” on the body so it’s easier to ignore or diminish their importance. For some people, there may still be stigma attached to mental health, that it’s something to be secretive about or ashamed of. For others there’s the mistaken assumption that seeing a mental health professional means “talking about your problems” or “they’re just going to put me on medication for the rest of my life.”
On the contrary, mental health providers take a holistic view of every person, taking into consideration their medical history and physical health as well as lifestyle factors and behaviors, family dynamics and life circumstances. Treatment often involves a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), changes in lifestyle and behavior and stress-reduction techniques and medication, when appropriate. Medication can only be prescribed by a psychiatrist (most mental health providers are counselors, therapists or social workers) so referrals are made if medication is necessary.
The purpose of getting a diagnosis for bipolar disorder is to determine an effective way forward based on a clinical assessment by a professional. Just knowing what’s going on can help relieve stress and uncertainty, and whatever the diagnosis is, we’d rather treat you sooner than later, as bipolar disorder often worsens over time.
If you or someone you care about is struggling with mental health issues, Mirmont Outpatient Center offers a variety of structured, personalized treatment programs. Reach out to learn more Call us at 1.888.CARE.898 (227.3898) to schedule a confidential appointment and ask any questions.
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