Do You Have Bipolar Disorder? A Psychiatrist Explains the Diagnostic Process

Mood swings are a normal part of our lives. But if these shifts in mood are extreme, such as feeling depressed during a certain period of the month and experiencing extreme bursts of energy during another, then it calls for attention. Moreover, if these mood swings are affecting your daily life, work, and relationships, then you definitely need to get a diagnosis for bipolar disorder. This is because diagnosis is the first step towards getting the right treatment. To understand all about the diagnosis of bipolar disorder, we reached out to a top psychiatrist.

Let us take a look at what Dr Sharadhi C, Consultant Psychiatry, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, has to say about it.

How To Diagnose Bipolar Disorder?

Let us straightaway get to the point: what is the process of bipolar disorder? Dr Sharadhi says that bipolar disorder is diagnosed mainly through a detailed assessment by a psychiatrist, who asks about changes in mood, energy, sleep, activity, thinking and behaviour, including periods of unusually high or irritable mood (mania or hypomania) and periods of depression. 

Shedding more light on this, the expert explains, “There is no single blood test or brain scan that can confirm bipolar disorder. Doctors may use medical tests to rule out conditions such as thyroid problems, medication effects or substance use that can cause similar symptoms. They may also speak with family members, with the person’s permission, to understand long-term mood patterns.”

What Are The Causes of Bipolar Disorder?

According to the Cleveland Clinic, bipolar disorder can be caused by multiple factors, such as:

• Genetics: Your family may pass on bipolar disorder to you. Many genes may raise your risk, but they do not guarantee that you will develop the condition.
• Epigenetics: This means your lifestyle impacts your DNA. Your genes can alter how active they are, depending on stress, illness or other life events.
• Brain chemistry: Differences in neurotransmitters (brain chemicals that help control mood) such as dopamine and serotonin can impact your energy, motivation and emotional balance.
• Brain structure and connections: Small differences in specific brain areas may also cause the condition.
• Other body and brain changes: Studies are also attempting to understand  how changes in your brain over time or how your body handles stress can also be a factor behind the condition. 

Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder

The two main phases of bipolar disorder are: the high energy phase (mania or hypomania) and the low energy phase (depression). According to the Cleveland Clinic, here are the symptoms of this condition, according to each phase:

Symptoms of mania:

• Feeling extremely happy or excited.
• Sudden mood changes, such as going from joyful to angry.
• Restlessness.
• Rapid speech and racing thoughts.
• High energy and little need for sleep.
• Impulsive or risky behavior.
• Making big or unrealistic plans.
• Feeling unusually important or powerful.
• Hallucinations or delusions.

Symptoms of depressive episodes:

• Deep sadness.
• Low energy or fatigue.
• Loss of motivation.
• Feelings of hopelessness or worthlessness.
• Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy.
• Trouble concentrating or making decisions.
• Crying spells.
• Irritability.
• Sleeping too much or too little.
• Appetite changes.
• Thoughts of death or suicide.

Tips To Manage Bipolar Disorder

Dr Sharadhi says that management usually involves a combination of medicines, psychotherapy and healthy daily routines. The expert adds, “Mood stabilisers and other prescribed medicines can help control mood episodes, while therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy can help a person recognise warning signs, manage stress and develop healthier coping skills.” 

On this note, Dr Sharadhi shares some tips to manage bipolar disorder: 

• Maintaining regular sleep.
• Eating nutritious meals.
• Exercising regularly.
• Avoiding alcohol and recreational drugs.
• Keeping a consistent daily routine can also support stability.
• Taking medicines exactly as prescribed.
• Attending regular follow-ups.
• Tracking changes in mood, sleep and energy.
• Learning about your own personal triggers and early warning signs.
• Family members can also help by offering support without judgement. 

“Urgent professional help should be sought if there are thoughts of self-harm or suicide, severe confusion, risky behaviour, or a manic episode that makes the person unable to stay safe,” concludes Dr Sharadhi.

ALSO READ- Bipolar Disorder Hidden Triggers: Can Caffeine and Sugar Spark a Manic Episode?

Conclusion

Navigating extreme mood swings caused by bipolar disorder can be challenging. Therefore, getting the right psychiatric diagnosis is the first step toward regaining your stability. Bipolar disorder is a complex condition, but is highly manageable with the right combination of medication, therapy, and consistent lifestyle routines. If you or a loved one are experiencing disruptive shifts in mood and energy, seek help from a mental health professional and get the support and guidance you need to get through.