If you’ve been experiencing extreme mood swings — feeling on top of the world one day and deeply hopeless the next — it’s possible you might be going through more than a turbulent stage of life. In fact, you could be suffering from bipolar disorder. Getting a diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it’s also the first step toward understanding yourself and finding the right support. At Mental Health Hotline (MHH), we’re here to walk you through the bipolar assessment process, explain what to expect and help you connect with care. Let’s start by breaking down the basics of this condition.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that causes intense shifts in energy, activity levels and emotional state. These shifts go beyond typical ups and downs and can disrupt daily life. Health care professionals use the terms mania (extreme highs) and depression (extreme lows) to describe the mood changes that bipolar involves.
Bipolar can be a difficult condition to deal with. Disturbingly, life expectancy is substantially shorter in people with bipolar disorder than for the general population. However, the right treatment can reduce mortality and allow people with the condition to enjoy long, healthy lives.
Understanding how to get a bipolar assessment and diagnosis is crucial for starting treatment and improving your quality of life. Before we discuss the process of mood disorder diagnosis, let’s take a look at the symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Understanding the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
Before you can get a bipolar assessment, it’s important to understand the symptoms. These symptoms can vary from person to person, and their severity can fluctuate. It’s not uncommon for people to experience symptoms for a significant period before they seek help.
Manic Episodes
During manic episodes, you might experience the following symptoms:
- Elevated mood or irritability
- Increased energy and activity levels
- Racing thoughts
- Impulsivity and risky behavior
- Decreased need for sleep
- Grandiose ideas or beliefs
- Distractibility
Hypomanic Episodes
These are less severe than manic episodes but still involve noticeable shifts in mood and behavior. You might notice the following symptoms:
- Elevated mood or irritability
- Increased energy
- Increased talkativeness
- Racing thoughts
- Slightly decreased need for sleep
Depressive Episodes
These episodes mirror those seen in major depressive disorder and include:
- Persistent sadness or low mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Changes in appetite or weight
- Sleep disturbances
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating
- Thoughts of death or suicide
It’s important to note that not everyone experiences all these symptoms. The presence and severity of symptoms can vary greatly. If you’re concerned about your mood or behavior, it’s essential to seek professional help.
Who to See for a Bipolar Assessment
Getting a proper bipolar assessment involves seeking help from qualified mental health professionals. Several pathways can lead you to a diagnosis.
- Primary care physician (PCP). Your PCP is a good starting point if you’re worried about your mental health. They can conduct an initial screening and refer you to a specialist if necessary. They can also rule out any underlying medical conditions that might be contributing to your symptoms.
- Psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in mental health. They’re best equipped to diagnose and treat bipolar disorder and able to prescribe medication as part of a treatment plan.
- Psychologist. Psychologists are experts in mental health who can provide therapy and support. While they can’t prescribe medication, they play a vital role in helping you manage your symptoms and develop coping mechanisms.
- Therapist or counselor. Therapists and counselors can offer various therapeutic approaches to help you manage your symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
You can find mental health professionals through your insurance provider, online directories or referrals from your PCP. You can also get in touch with MHH to find out what local resources are available to you.
Standard Psychiatric Evaluations for Bipolar Disorder
A bipolar assessment typically involves a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation that includes:
- Clinical interview. This is a crucial part of the psychiatric evaluation process. The mental health professional will ask detailed questions about your symptoms, medical history, family history of mental illness and overall well-being. Be prepared to describe your mood swings, their duration and any associated behaviors. Honesty is vital during this process.
- Mental health screening. This involves using standardized questionnaires and assessments to help evaluate your symptoms and determine the severity of your condition. These tools provide objective measures to support the clinical interview.
- Physical examination. Your doctor may conduct a physical exam to rule out any medical conditions that could mimic bipolar disorder symptoms.
- Review of medical history. A thorough review of your medical history, including any past diagnoses and treatments, is essential.
- Neuropsychological testing. In some cases, neuropsychological testing might be recommended to assess cognitive functioning and rule out other conditions.
The diagnostic process isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. The health care professional will consider the information gathered from these evaluations to make a diagnosis. It’s important to be patient and collaborative throughout the process.
The Importance of Seeking Help for Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a treatable condition. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving your quality of life and preventing potential complications. Don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder. The sooner you get a bipolar assessment, the sooner you can begin your journey toward recovery. Remember, you’re not alone. Many resources are available to support you.
Mental Health Hotline partners with reputable mental health care providers nationwide to get you the help you need. Reach out today!
