By The person who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder should see a psychiatrist and possibly a psychologist as well. The psychiatrist can prescribe medications, while the psychologist can help to determine whether medication is even necessary. If the person with bipolar disorder is aware that he has been given a diagnosis or that he is being treated for bipolar disorder, he should make sure to ask his doctor these things: – How often should I see you? – How often should I see a therapist (for counseling)? – How should I react to my treatment? – How long do I need to be on medications for? – What are the side effects of the medication? – Are there any other things that I should be doing aside from taking medications? – What changes should I expect in my life over the next few months? – What prescriptions do I need? The doctor should then answer these questions as fully as possible. He should also explain to the person with bipolar disorder how important it is for him to be honest about how he feels about the medication..
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Who Diagnoses Bipolar Disorder? – Related Questions
How do you get officially diagnosed with bipolar?
Diagnosis is based solely on the reports of individual’s behavior and the presence of specific symptoms. There are two types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I disorder, which requires the presence of a manic episode or mixed episodes within a current or previous episode of major depression; and Bipolar II disorder, which requires the presence of at least one hypomanic episode and at least one episode of major depression..
Can a primary care doctor diagnose bipolar?
A recent meta-analysis of thirty studies of primary care physicians’ diagnostic accuracy in identifying bipolar disorder found that the physicians’ overall sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV were 58%, 41%, 61%, and 76%, respectively. The physicians’ sensitivity in identifying bipolar disorder by using DSM-III-R criteria was significantly higher than using the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire. The PPV of a positive screening test result was significantly higher in studies that used either the DSM-III-R or the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire than in those that used other definitions of bipolar disorder. These results suggest that primary care physicians can identify bipolar disorder in a clinically meaningful number of patients..
Who can diagnose bipolar disorder in adults?
Psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, and other mental health professionals can diagnose bipolar disorder in adults. However, primary care doctors can also help and support those with this disorder by referring the patient to a mental health specialist when necessary..
Who do I talk to if I think I have bipolar disorder?
Contact your local mental health clinic or hospital, and bring them your concerns. Many mental health professionals are not trained to diagnose bipolar disorder, so you will probably have to provide them with some background information. Additionally, you might want to discuss your symptoms with your doctor, who can assess your situation and lead you in the right direction..
What are 5 signs of bipolar?
1. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder – This is continuously doing things over and over again like cleaning, counting objects, and so on. 2. Irritability – It is being angry most of the time, getting frustrated easily, and feeling emotions more intensely. 3. Mood Swings – Mood changes in bipolar disorder sometimes happen within hours. 4. Impulsiveness – It is doing things without thinking. 5. Sleep Disturbance – Bipolar disorder is characterized by sleeping problems, such as not being able to sleep, sleeping too long, and sleeping in the middle of the day..
Who diagnoses you with a mental illness?
That is a great question. There are a variety of mental illnesses that can be diagnosed by a psychologist or a psychiatrist. A psychologist is a doctorate level professional trained to administer tests and determine a course of action. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who underwent special training to treat mental illness. It is helpful to know the difference so you can seek the right professional for your needs..
Can therapists diagnose bipolar?
In some cases, yes. However, it depends on the type of psychotherapist you see, who has any experience with psychiatry. You may have to go to a psychiatrist to receive the diagnosis, or you may have to see a psychotherapist who is willing to refer you to a psychiatrist if they believe a diagnosis is warranted. You’re in luck, because only psychiatrists can diagnose any type of mental disorder. If a psychotherapist believes that you might be suffering from bipolar disorder, they can treat you and help you get through your difficult times..
Can a pediatrician diagnose bipolar?
A pediatrician can diagnose bipolar, usually by observing the child’s behavior. The symptoms of bipolar disorder most often begin in early adulthood, but they can appear in children or adolescents. ___% of children with bipolar disorder develop depression or behavior problems before age 10. Psychiatrists say that many of the children with bipolar disorder who have mood swings can have dozens of depressive episodes and several manic episodes over a period of years, especially if they don’t get treatment. Some symptoms of bipolar disorder in children and teenagers can include: * Mood swings between depression and elation * Mood swings that are so intense that they interfere with their daily life * Impulsive behavior (like excessive spending or sexual indiscretions) * Risky behavior, like reckless driving or sexual promiscuity * Sleep problems (like insomnia or oversleeping) * Physical complaints (like headaches or stomachaches) * Self-destructive behavior (like substance abuse or self-injury) * Tantrums and angry outbursts * Poor concentration * Frenzy or being in a rush * Feeling like they are on a high, even when they aren’t using alcohol or drugs.
How do I ask my doctor about bipolar?
A diagnosis of bipolar disorder is not about your intelligence, your personal strength, or your ability to lead a normal life. It is simply a medical diagnosis. You do not have a disorder because you are weak, crazy, or irresponsible. You have a disorder because you have an illness. It is important to remember that a diagnosis of bipolar disorder is positive in that it is a sign that you are not alone in the way you feel and that you can receive the help you need to get a handle on it..
When is bipolar disorder usually diagnosed?
If a person is older than 18 years of age and is experiencing symptoms of mania, hypomania, or depression, then a bipolar disorder could be diagnosed. In children, bipolar disorder can be diagnosed between the ages of two to twelve. When symptoms of a manic episode first appear during childhood, it is also referred to as “early-onset” bipolar disorder..
What are the 4 types of bipolar?
There are four types of Bipolar Disorder: 1) Bipolar I, 2) Bipolar II, 3) Cyclothymic disorder, and 4) Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified. In Bipolar I, the patient suffers from severe manic and depressive episodes, which can include psychosis. In Bipolar II, the patient suffers from milder manic and depressive episodes, which can include hypomania. Cyclothymic disorder is similar to Bipolar II, but the manic and depressive episodes are less severe. The final disorder, Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified, is determined through the course of symptoms and other factors..
How a person with bipolar thinks?
Bipolar disorder is a complex mental illness that causes intense changes in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function. Bipolar disorder affects more than 2.5 million adult Americans and can be a severe disability. When bipolar disorder isn’t treated, affected people may have difficulty coping with daily life. But even with treatment, many people with bipolar disorder have periods of depression, feelings of extreme highs, or psychotic symptoms..
What is the main cause of bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is caused by abnormalities in the brain’s chemicals. This results in unusual shifts in mood, energy and ability to carry out daily tasks. People with Bipolar Disorder have episodes of mania and depressive symptoms. There are a number of factors that can play a part in causing these episodes, including: genetics, stress, and substance abuse. However, there is a strong debate among scientists about the exact causes of Bipolar Disorder..
Can you manage bipolar without medication?
Yes, some people do just fine without medication. It’s not a common thing and should be done under the supervision of a medical professional but it can be done. There are several ways to manage bipolar disorder without medication. First, having a good support system is crucial. You should have friends, family and a health care provider who is willing to help you through this. Second, you have to make sure your stress levels are kept under control. You can do this by taking up a hobby or scheduling time to just relax on a daily basis. Lastly, you have to make sure you are eating right and getting your daily exercise. All these things combined can help you stay mentally healthy without medication..
What are the signs of bipolar in a woman?
Bipolar disorder is a condition in which a person experiences extreme shifts in his mood and energy levels. Bipolar Disorder is commonly alternated with periods of depression and mania. Some of the signs of bipolar disorder in females are: Verbal outbursts and angry outbursts Rapid speech Racing thoughts and flight of ideas Distractibility Decreased need for sleep Irritability Increased physical activity Unusual views or beliefs Hypersexuality Spending sprees (more than is typical) Bipolar disorder can be treated by medication and psychotherapy..
