Bipolar Disorder Testing: Do I Have Bipolar

Bipolar disorder can look different from person to person, which can make it difficult to recognize. If you’ve noticed significant shifts in your mood, energy, or behavior, you may wonder: Do I have bipolar disorder?

A comprehensive evaluation looks at your symptoms, mood patterns, history, and other factors to determine whether bipolar disorder or another condition may be responsible.

Keep reading to learn how bipolar disorder testing works, the different types of bipolar disorder, what to expect from an evaluation, and where to get bipolar disorder testing in Chicago.

Key Takeaways:

• Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition. Specifically, it is a mood disorder characterized by “highs” and “lows” that distinguish it from unipolar depression.
• There are different types of bipolar disorder. Mainly, these include bipolar I, bipolar II, and cyclothymic disorder. Each has unique diagnostic criteria that set it apart from the others.
• Bipolar disorder testing is critical for proper diagnosis. The evaluation process involves a review of your current symptoms, personal history, and other potentially relevant factors, such as family history and alternative causes of your symptoms.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by episodes of significant changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These can include manic or hypomanic episodes and depressive episodes, depending on the type of bipolar disorder.

During mania or hypomania, a person may experience increased energy, an unusually elevated or irritable mood, increased confidence, racing thoughts, or a decreased need for sleep. Depressive episodes can involve persistent sadness or loss of interest, low energy, difficulty concentrating, and decreased motivation.

There are several types of bipolar and related disorders. The most common include bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and cyclothymic disorder. Each has specific diagnostic criteria based on the type, severity, and duration of mood symptoms.

Bipolar I Disorder

To be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, you must have experienced at least one full-blown manic episode. Manic episodes must last for at least one week. You’ll have more energy than usual. You will be extremely high-spirited or irritable for most of the day, most days, while experiencing at least three of the following behavioral changes.[1]

• Decreased need for sleep
• Talking more than usual or rapid speech
• Racing thoughts or quickly changing subjects/ideas while speaking
• Heightened activity (e.g., restlessness, working on multiple projects at once)
• Risky or impulsive behavior (e.g., reckless driving, excessive spending, unsafe sex)
• Distractibility

Some people (not all) also experience psychosis symptoms, such as delusions or hallucinations, during mania. Hospitalization may be required. Not everyone realizes they’re having a manic episode. It might be a loved one or medical provider who recognizes it.

Bipolar II Disorder

Bipolar II disorder differs from bipolar I in several ways. To be diagnosed with bipolar II disorder, you must have experienced at least one hypomanic episode (a lower-level, less severe form of mania) and at least one major depressive episode, which is not required for Bipolar I. Additionally, you must not have had a full-blown manic episode.

During a hypomanic episode, people with bipolar II disorder experience an increase in energy or activity and an abnormally elevated or irritable mood for at least four days, paired with at least three of the following signs or symptoms.[2] Or, at least four of the following if their mood is only irritable.

• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
• Talking more than usual or pressured speech
• “Flight of ideas” or racing thoughts
• Increase in goal-directed activity
• Risky or impulsive behavior
• Decreased need for sleep
• Distractibility

Major depressive episodes consist of at least five of the following symptoms, lasting for at least two weeks.

• Depressed mood
• Hypersomnia or insomnia
• Loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities
• Tiredness, low energy, fatigue, or reduced efficiency in routine tasks
• Feelings of worthlessness or excessive, inappropriate guilt
• Impaired thinking, concentration, or decision making
• Recurrent thoughts of death, dying, or suicide
• Significant changes in appetite or weight
• Changes in psychomotor activity

In some cases, a person with bipolar II can later progress to bipolar I. This does not always happen. Treatment can prevent the progression of bipolar disorder, meaning that it can help you maintain brain health and stop the condition from becoming more severe over time.

Cyclothymic Disorder

Cyclothymic disorder, also called cyclothymia, falls under the category of bipolar and related disorders. Unlike bipolar II or bipolar I, people with cyclothymia experience faster changes in mood and energy levels.

Highs and lows are less severe than they are in bipolar I or bipolar II disorder, but they alternate more rapidly, often with fewer periods of normalcy or stable mood in between. This pattern must last for at least two years for the condition to be diagnosed–another distinction between cyclothymia vs. bipolar I or II.

How Is Bipolar Disorder Tested?

Bipolar disorder is diagnosed through a comprehensive evaluation with a qualified healthcare provider, often a psychiatrist. During the evaluation, your provider will ask about your symptoms, mood patterns, medical and mental health history, and how your symptoms affect your daily life.

They’ll also determine whether your symptoms meet the diagnostic criteria for bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, cyclothymic disorder, or another condition. Part of this process involves ruling out other possible causes of your symptoms, including substance use, medications, medical conditions, and other mental health disorders.

What Happens During a Bipolar Disorder Evaluation?

A bipolar disorder evaluation typically involves an in-depth conversation with a psychiatrist or other qualified healthcare provider. They’ll ask questions to better understand your symptoms, mood patterns, and overall mental health.

Your evaluation may cover:

• Your personal history: Your provider may ask about your symptoms, when they started, how they have changed over time, and any previous mental health diagnoses or treatments.
• Your family history: Bipolar disorder can run in families, so your provider may ask whether close relatives have bipolar disorder or other mental health conditions.
• How your symptoms affect your life: You may discuss how changes in your mood, energy, sleep, or behavior affect work, school, relationships, and daily responsibilities.

You may also complete questionnaires or screening tools before or during your evaluation. In some cases, your provider may recommend keeping a mood log to track changes in mood, energy, sleep, and other symptoms over time.

There is no single blood test or medical test that can diagnose bipolar disorder. However, your provider may recommend bloodwork or other testing to rule out medical conditions that could cause similar symptoms, such as thyroid problems.

Why Bipolar Disorder Can Be Hard to Diagnose

Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose. Research suggests that people with bipolar disorder experience an average diagnostic delay of 6.46 years.[3] Several factors can contribute to this delay:

• Symptoms can overlap with other conditions. Bipolar disorder can share symptoms with conditions such as major depressive disorder (MDD), ADHD, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions. Some people also have co-occurring conditions, which can make diagnosis more complex.
• Depression may be recognized first. Someone with bipolar disorder may initially seek treatment during a depressive episode and receive an MDD diagnosis, particularly if previous manic or hypomanic symptoms have not been identified.
• Mania or hypomania may be difficult to recognize. Some people may not view periods of increased energy, confidence, productivity, or decreased need for sleep as symptoms worth mentioning to their provider. Hypomania, in particular, can be less noticeable than full mania.

Getting an accurate diagnosis is an important first step toward finding the right treatment. If you think you may have bipolar disorder, a comprehensive evaluation can help clarify your symptoms and determine the appropriate next steps.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

bipolar II, or cyclothymic disorder, it’s important to talk with a qualified healthcare provider. They can help you better understand your symptoms and determine whether further evaluation is appropriate.

Remember: If mental health symptoms of any kind are affecting your quality of life or ability to function, seeking professional help is always worthwhile.

Can Bipolar Disorder Get Better?

Yes. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but with consistent, appropriate treatment, symptoms can become much more manageable. Many people with bipolar disorder experience long periods of stability or remission and live healthy, fulfilling lives.

Bipolar disorder typically does not go away on its own, which is why ongoing treatment is important. This may include taking medications as prescribed, maintaining healthy sleep habits, attending therapy, and talking with your provider if symptoms return or change.

Finding the right treatment approach can take time, and your needs may change over the years. Some people need medication adjustments or additional support during certain periods. Working closely with your treatment team can help you manage symptoms, recognize changes early, and maintain long-term stability.

Bipolar Disorder Treatment Options

The best approach to treating bipolar disorder usually involves a combination of:

• Medication: Most of the time, lithium, anticonvulsant mood stabilizers, and/or atypical antipsychotics are the medication treatment options a person with bipolar disorder will benefit from most. At times, a bipolar disorder psychiatrist might prescribe antidepressants alongside a mood stabilizer and/or antipsychotic medication.
• Therapy: While medication is a foundational aspect of bipolar disorder treatment, we now know that therapy can also be crucial for people with the condition. Evidence-based forms of talk therapy help you cope with the challenges of the disorder and lower your risk of relapse. Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most research-backed forms of therapy for bipolar disorder. People often benefit from dialectical behavior therapy and family-focused therapy, too.
• Lifestyle factors: For example, sleep (this is a big one), physical activity, nutrition, and managing your stress levels.

There are alternative treatments for bipolar disorder, too. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be recommended for people with treatment-resistant bipolar disorder symptoms. TMS is often used as an add-on or alternative treatment for bipolar depression symptoms.[4] ECT can be used for fast relief from severe manic episodes, bipolar depression symptoms, or suicidal thoughts.

Bipolar Disorder Testing and Treatment in Chicago

Clarity Clinic provides comprehensive bipolar disorder testing and treatment in Chicago and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re looking for a psychiatrist for bipolar disorder treatment, therapy, or diagnostic services, we’re here to help.

We offer in-person care at our Loop, River North, Lakeview Belmont, Lakeview Broadway, Evanston, and Arlington Heights locations, as well as virtual mental health services throughout Illinois.

With a wide range of compassionate, experienced providers at Clarity Clinic, you can find the right match for your needs! Click the button below to browse providers near you and book an appointment today.

Related Readings:

• Online Treatment for Bipolar Disorder in Chicago: What to Know
• Bipolar Disorder Medications: What to Know
• Understanding Bipolar Crashes: Symptoms, Causes, & Recovery

Bipolar Testing FAQs:

References

[1] Psychiatry.org - What are bipolar disorders? (n.d.). https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/bipolar-disorders/what-are-bipolar-disorders

[2] Table 3.8, DSM-IV to DSM-5 hypomania criteria comparison - impact of the DSM-IV to DSM-5 changes on the National Survey on Drug Use and Health - NCBI bookshelf. (n.d.-g). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519704/table/ch3.t9/

[3] Exploring factors of diagnostic delay for patients with bipolar disorder: A population-based cohort study - PMC. (2020, February 19). https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7031950/

[4] Use of transcranial magnetic stimulation in bipolar disorder | The Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences. (2011, April 1). https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/jnp.23.2.jnpe12