Bipolar Disorder

A psychiatric evaluation for bipolar disorder includes a detailed clinical interview, a review of your personal and family medical history, symptom and mood questionnaires, and physical or lab tests to rule out other medical issues. Because there is no simple blood test for bipolar disorder, a doctor or psychiatrist relies on these combined steps to understand your patterns of high and low moods.

Clinical Interview & Symptom Review

Mood History: Questions about past episodes of mania (high energy, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior) and depression (sadness, low energy, hopelessness).

Sleep and Behavior: Inquiries about changes in how much you sleep, talk, or act on sudden risks.

Collateral Input: Interviews with family members or close friends, with your permission, to get an outside view of your mood swings.

Medical and Family Checks

Family History: Reviewing if close relatives have bipolar disorder or other mood conditions.

Substance Use: Asking about alcohol or drug use, which can mimic or worsen mood symptoms.

Physical & Lab Tests: Blood tests or physical exams to check for medical problems like thyroid issues that can change your mood.

Screening Tools

Questionnaires: Standardized forms like the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) to score specific symptom clusters.

Mood Charts: Keeping a daily diary of your sleep and emotional highs and lows over time.