Bipolar disorder is known to be a genetic illness that deeply affects someone’s mental health. People with this condition may suffer from swift mood changes and periods of depression. Without treatment, they may also find it difficult to go about their everyday routines. Here’s how behavioral health professionals diagnose the condition.

What Is Bipolar Disorder?

Occasionally referred to as manic depression, bipolar disorder affects a person’s energy and ability to perform activities with regularity. Moods may be unpredictable, with both depressive and manic periods lasting for weeks at a time. During depressed phases, the person may feel especially sad, hopeless, and lethargic. Manic periods are characterized by impulsive behaviors, high energy levels, and feelings of euphoria.

Not all patients experience such extremes—some may only develop occasional symptoms, while others may suffer from these episodes more frequently. Studies find that approximately 2.8% of adults in the United States have received a diagnosis.

How Is It Diagnosed?

A complete health evaluation is necessary to determine if a person suffers from bipolar disorder. A physical exam is typically conducted to rule out any potential medical issues that might be responsible. Then a mental health assessment is carried out to better understand the patient’s severity of symptoms. Patients may be asked about their feelings, thoughts, and moods, and whether they follow any specific patterns.

This last point is key, because manic episodes are clinically diagnosed only when the symptoms last for a week or more, or if they cause the person to check into the hospital. Meanwhile, depressive symptoms must last for a minimum of two weeks to factor into the diagnosis. To establish clarity, professionals may ask patients to keep mood journals and chart their feelings.

How Does It Differ from Mood Swings?

The average mood swing may simply contribute to a bad day. People naturally experience highs and lows in their lives, and it’s not unusual to sway between feeling positive and then feeling sad when something unfortunate occurs. These are normal feelings that don’t typically require medical intervention unless they somehow impact the person’s wellbeing.

Bipolar moods are, by definition, far more intense and long-lasting. The patient cannot control these feelings, and it can be exhausting to find balance when doing daily activities. There is hope, however, and psychiatric service providers can recommend different options, including medication and talk therapy.
 

Are you concerned about your or a loved one’s fluctuating moods? If you wish to talk to a compassionate professional with experience, visit Comprehensive Behavioral Health in Staunton, VA. Specializing in mental health conditions, they offer treatment for bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and other behavioral concerns for patients throughout Central VA. To find out more about how they can help you, visit the website, or call (540) 688-2646 to schedule an appointment.