Bipolar Disorder Test Guide
Can You Diagnose yourself before taking a bipolar disorder test?
Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depressive disorder, is characterized by cycles of mood swings that range from the lows of deep depression to the highs of total elation (called mania, a milder form of which is called hypomania). These two opposing poles leading to the term bipolar. Each state can vary in intensity, frequency and duration, with possible “normal periods” interspersed in between. The defining result of bipolar disorder is disruptive and destructive behavior, leading to serious social problems and embarrassment, with suicide a distinct possibility in extreme cases. Most forms of bipolar disorder are fairly benign, but if left untreated, this disorder can become elevated over time to seriously disrupt the lives of, not only the person diagnosed with disorder, but also of the people associated with such a person. Before taking a bipolar disorder test, it is strongly recommended that you familiarize yourself with the various aspects of the disorder.
Types of bipolar disorder :
* Bipolar I disorder : at least one mania or one mixed episode, with possibly an occurrence of depression
* Bipolar II disorder : at least one episode of major depression and at least one hypomania episode, but no mania or mixed episodes
* Cyclothymic disorder : numerous depression and hypomania episodes, but no major mania or depression episodes
Symptons of mania :
* Feelings of grandiosity, inflating your self esteem to the point it can lead to unsafe or illegal acts
* Reduced need and desire for sleep
* Increased talkativeness or distractability
* Delusions and/or hallucinations
Symptons of depression :
* Refusal to get out of bed for an extended number of days, but still feeling sad, tired or unmotivated, even with a lot or sleep
* Feelings of hopelessness, helplessness or unworthiness that can last days
* Reduced interest in activities normally enjoyed
* Thoughts of death or suicide
If you feel that you may have one or many of these symptoms, then, it is time to take a bipolar disorder test.
A bipolar disorder test generally consists of multiple choice questions designed to pinpoint mood swings of various types and can be very extensive, with some examples being :
* My confidence range can go from very low to very high
* My sexual desires have increased
* My work performance can vary substantially
Seek Professional Diagnosis For A Complete Bipolar Disorder Test
Correctly diagnosing bipolar disorder is not an easy task and having to consult several medical doctors is definitely not unheard of. Taking a test or having some blood samples sent to a laboratory is not adequate to render an informed diagnosis. The first course of action for most individuals would probably require the assistance of a primary physician to rule out other physical and medical conditions that can contribute to the symptoms, since the vast majority of bipolar disorder symptoms may very well be caused by physical conditions, such as thyroid, drug or alcohol abuse, just to name a few. After physical conditions have ben eliminated, then your physician may refer to to a mental health specialist for more extended evaluation.
Either a psychiatrist or a psychologist will ask you questions that are actually very similar to those contained in a bipolar disorder test, but in a much more detailed and expansive manner. Family history is of major interest since bipolar disorders have been linked to hereditary and genetic traits. However, most questions will center on manic and depressive occurrences, their frequency and duration being of particular importance. Therefore, taking a bipolar disorder test by yourself can only greatly help in the understanding and diagnosis of the disorder.
And herein lies your first step toward recovery. A bipolar disorder test will put your mind at ease and provide the preliminary answer to whether you actually have the disorder and in what form.