Bipolar Disorder: Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorder

A bipolar disorder diagnosis is made only by taking careful note of symptoms, including their severity, length, and frequency. The most telling symptoms of bipolar disorder include severe mood swings (going from extreme highs to extreme lows) that don't follow a set pattern.

The psychiatrist will ask questions about personal and family history of mental illness. The doctor will also ask detailed questions about symptoms, including how long they last and how frequently they occur. Other questions will focus on reasoning, memory, ability to express oneself, and ability to maintain relationships.

Blood and urine tests -- such as a toxicology screening -- may be done to rule out other causes of symptoms. In a toxicology screening, blood, urine, or hair are examined for the presence of drugs. Blood tests also include a check of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level, since depression is sometimes linked to thyroid function.