Medical professionals can use a blood test to diagnose a sexually transmitted infection or an X-ray to diagnose a broken bone, but how are mental illnesses, like bipolar disorder evaluated?
Truthfully, it’s more difficult to diagnose bipolar disorder than other illnesses and conditions. If you or a loved one thinks that they need bipolar disorder treatment, it can help to know what to expect. Take a few minutes to learn about evaluating bipolar disorder for those in the Dekalb area.
Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder
A bipolar evaluation will start with a physical exam. Doctors want to rule out any other physical conditions that could be causing bipolar symptoms.
Next, a doctor may recommend a psychiatric appointment to discuss the patient’s thoughts and feelings. They will probably ask questions about behavior patterns or specific episodes. A psychiatrist may also provide a psychological assessment for further evaluation.
A psychiatrist can diagnose bipolar disorder using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). This manual provides a list of potential signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder. If an individual has certain signs and symptoms, a psychiatrist may recommend bipolar treatment.
Bipolar I
Bipolar I is a type of bipolar diagnosis. It is characterized by mania episodes longer than 7 days and/or depressive episodes lasting several days to 2 weeks.
Bipolar II
Bipolar II is characterized by depressive and hypomania episodes. individuals with bipolar II may have less intense mania episodes, but longer or more extreme depressive episodes.
Diagnosis criteria for children and teens are different than for adults. Other mental health disorders share symptoms with bipolar disorder, so it is sometimes misdiagnosed. If an individual in the Dekalb area is diagnosed with bipolar, there are a few types of treatments available.
Bipolar Treatment
Bipolar treatment is based on the type and severity of symptoms. Bipolar medication can help stabilize a person’s mood and make it easier to perform tasks of daily living. Types of bipolar medications include:
- Mood-stabilizer
- Antipsychotic
- Antidepressant
- Antidepressant-Antipsychotic
- Anti-anxiety
The type of medication is based on a person’s evaluation and the specifics of their illness. Another form of treatment is bipolar counseling. Counseling services help by providing education, support, and resources for individuals with bipolar disorder.
A few types of bipolar counseling include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Family therapy, couples therapy
- Social rhythm therapy
- Interpersonal therapy
- Psycho-education
A bipolar clinic is a place specifically offering treatment for bipolar disorder. If you or a loved one is in need of bipolar treatment, Braden Counseling Service can help.
Managing Bipolar Disorder in Dekalb
A bipolar diagnosis doesn’t have to get in the way of a happy and successful life in Dekalb. The evaluation process allows mental health specialists to determine the best treatment options for you including medication and/or therapy.
Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but treatment can help. If you are seeking bipolar treatment or need an evaluation, contact us today. We help individuals, families, and couples overcome mental health illnesses and start living better lives.