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Disease Symptom Tips :: Bipolar Quiz
Bipolar Quiz: Why a Quiz Can't Diagnose Bipolar Disorder
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There are a number of questionnaires, screening tools or even Bipolar quiz tests that can be helpful in making the diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Two of the most popular are the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) and the Bipolar Spectrum Diagnostic Scale (BSDS).
Unfortunately, the thing to remember with screening tests is that they can't be used alone to make a diagnosis, as they're not 100 percent accurate. What they do is help to rule out, or rule in, the likelihood that someone may have a given condition.
To learn more about how bipolar disorders are really diagnosed, keep reading.
The Diagnosis of Bipolar Disorders
Some doctors prefer to rely on establishing a past history of cycling manic and depressive episodes to make the diagnosis of bipolar depression. A few doctors believe that bipolar and unipolar depression are the same illness, just manifested differently. However, most doctors base their diagnois on the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and its definition of bipolar disorder.
Generally, when diagnosing an individual, most doctors will start with a brief session of testing and paperwork. This “bipolar quiz” allows the prospective patient to record their own personal experiences. Afterwards, a good doctor will typically sit and talk with the patient, asking them about their history and current problems, along with what has made their symptoms better or worse.
If a diagnosis isn't clear after a first session, most doctors will request additional medical tests to explain other possible medical reasons for the patient's behavior along with additional examinations or interviews.
Written Tests and Diagnosing Bipolar Disorders
Not all doctors will use written tests as a tool to diagnose bipolar mood disorders. Some may simply ask you to rate yourself based on the formal diagnostic criteria of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual's definition of bipolar disorder.
Others may administer clinical tests for depression, anxiety, obsessive and psychotic thought processes along with the severity of symptoms and various personality tests.
Patients should also undergo independent physical medical testing. For example, a full blood count and test of the liver, kidneys or thyroid can help rule out other diseases that can imitate or possibly worsen bipolar disorder.
Correctly Diagnosing Bipolar Disorders
A recent study found that almost 70 percent of bipolar disorder patients were misdiagnosed at least three times before receiving the correct diagnosis.
Common misdiagnoses include unipolar depression, attention deficit disorder, sleep disorders, personality disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, postpartum depression and schizophrenia. This is why a simple and basic bipolar test should not be solely relied on to diagnose the disease.
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