My WebMD Sign In

Please enter email address

Enter your password

Keep me signed in on this computer

Show more Information

If you select "Keep me signed in on this computer", you can stay signed in to WebMD.com on this computer for up to 2 weeks or until you sign out. This means that a cookie will stay on your computer even when you exit or close your browser which may reduce your levels of privacy and security. You should never select this option if you're using a publicly accessible computer, or if you're sharing a computer with others. Even if you select this option there are some features of our site that still require you to log in for privacy reasons.

Forget your password? Having trouble signing in?

Why should I
sign up for WebMD?

With a WebMD Account you can:

Track your way to weight loss success
Manage your family's vaccinations
Join the conversation

See more benefits Sign Up

Why WebMD?

My WebMD

Show Menu

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

WebMD Home

Mental Health Center

Bipolar Disorder Health Center

Bipolar Disorder Related Topics

Email a Friend

Print Article

Bipolar Disorder Health Center

Tools & Resources

Font Size

Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens - Exams and Tests

There is no lab test that can diagnose bipolar disorder. Doctors make the diagnosis through a combination of:

A medical history, asking questions to help identify other past and present health conditions that could cause the symptoms.
A family history to identify bipolar disorder, other mood disorders, or drug or alcohol problems in close relatives. (All of these conditions are linked to bipolar disorder.)
A physical exam, which can rule out other conditions with similar symptoms.
A mental health assessment, which can help identify your child's current mental state and the severity of depression or mania.
Other written or verbal mental health tests.

Before prescribing medicine to treat bipolar disorder, your doctor will check your child for possible suicidal behavior by asking a few questions. See a list of questions your doctor may ask your child.

WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 12, 2011

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.