Diagnosis for bipolar disorder? You won't know until you see a doctor

Behavioral Health
Substance Use Disorders
Adult woman looking down and sad in front of mirror

In our culture, people throw the term “bipolar” around casually, often in jest. “I think I’m bipolar!” you might hear, when someone has an extreme reaction to something, or when they experience a range of emotions in rapid succession. When it comes to our health and symptoms we might be experiencing, we also tend to self-diagnose. We’ll go in search of a diagnosis for bipolar disorder online despite having a limited understanding of psychology and mental health issues ourselves.

But bipolar disorder — what was once called “manic depression” — has certain characteristics that only a mental health professional has the skills and training to diagnose. 

Am I bipolar? Mood changes vs. bipolar disorder

It’s easy to comprehend how your mood shifts along with life events and circumstances, but what about mood changes from one day to the next, or on the same day, regardless of what’s happening in your life?
 
We’re all dealing with stress, aging, illness, life circumstances, pandemics and other world events that can impact our ability to enjoy day-to-day living. How we respond to the "messiness" varies based on factors such as our stage in life, family background, current relationships, finances and job situation.
 
It’s perfectly normal to experience a full range of emotion from one day to the next or even on the same day. You are human, after all. There are also factors within your control that can contribute to mood fluctuations, such as whether you’ve been getting enough sleep, your diet, alcohol consumption and use of illicit drugs.
 
The National Institute of Mental Health defines bipolar disorder  as “dramatic shifts between manic highs and depressive lows, affecting a person’s mood, energy and ability to think clearly.”

 

 

 

On the other hand, certain behaviors may more likely be associated with a bipolar diagnosis, such as:

  • Spending beyond your budget
  • Having angry outbursts not linked to a specific issue or stimulus
  • Engaging in risky activities that jeopardize your safety

It can be confusing to try to figure out if life is changing and you’re the one wanting things to be constant, or whether you’re the one changing and life is simply not meeting your expectations or need for constancy. This is where a mental health professional can really make a difference, taking away some of the doubt, fear and worry and helping you find answers and clarity.

Causes and types of bipolar disorder

Diagnosis for bipolar disorder often happens in the late-teenage years to early 20s. Occasionally it is diagnosed in children. Other life stressors that involve hormonal fluctuations, such as pregnancy and menopause, may also trigger bipolar episodes. For some people bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition while for others it is something that just lasts for a period of time. 
 
Your risk of developing bipolar disorder or triggering a first episode, increases when you: 
 
  • Have a first-degree relative, such as a parent or sibling, with bipolar disorder
  • Experience periods of high stress, such as the death of a loved one or another traumatic event
  • Abuse drugs or alcohol 
 

Bipolar disorder is complex, and self-diagnosis is inadequate and often inaccurate, especially given that there are four types of bipolar disorder: 

  • Bipolar I disorder – defined by manic episodes, such as feeling exceedingly energized and elated or irritable and volatile, that last for more than seven days; often in combination with depressive episodes, feeling sad, extremely low and hopeless
  • Bipolar II disorder – defined by “hypomanic” or less severe manic episodes along with depressive episodes, but not as extreme as bipolar I
  • Cyclothymic disorder – defined by depressive symptoms lasting at least two years along with hypomanic symptoms
  • Bipolar disorder due to another medical or substance abuse disorder – defined by manic and depressive symptoms triggered by drug and alcohol use, or some other physical condition

Diagnosis for bipolar disorder can relieve uncertainty 

Middle aged man at appointment talking to therapist
When it comes to mental health, people often wait far too long to get the help they need. 
When it comes to mental health, people often wait far too long to get the help they need. Emotional and psychological issues don’t present like physical “wounds” on the body so it’s easier to ignore or diminish their importance. For some people, there may still be stigma attached to mental health, that it’s something to be secretive about or ashamed of. For others there’s the mistaken assumption that seeing a mental health professional means “talking about your problems” or “they’re just going to put me on medication for the rest of my life.”

On the contrary, mental health providers take a holistic view of every person, taking into consideration their medical history and physical health as well as lifestyle factors and behaviors, family dynamics and life circumstances. Treatment often involves a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), changes in lifestyle and behavior and stress-reduction techniques and medication, when appropriate. Medication can only be prescribed by a psychiatrist (most mental health providers are counselors, therapists or social workers) so referrals are made if medication is necessary.

The purpose of getting a diagnosis for bipolar disorder is to determine an effective way forward based on a clinical assessment by a professional. Just knowing what’s going on can help relieve stress and uncertainty, and whatever the diagnosis is, we’d rather treat you sooner than later, as bipolar disorder often worsens over time.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with mental health issues, Mirmont Outpatient Center offers a variety of structured, personalized treatment programs. Reach out to learn more Call us at 1.888.CARE.898 (227.3898) to schedule a confidential appointment and ask any questions.