Diagnosis
The following tests are done to determine if you have bipolar disorder:
Physical exam
This involves physical exams and lab tests done to know if the bipolar disorder is caused by any medical condition.
Mood charting
Patients are asked to record their moods, sleep patterns, and other factors that could contribute to the diagnosis or treatment of the bipolar disorder.
Criteria for bipolar disorder
There are several criteria for bipolar disorder. Psychiatrists compare the criteria and related disorders in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5) with your symptoms.
Diagnosis in children
The diagnosis of children and teenagers with bipolar disorder has the same criteria used for adults. However, the symptoms in children and teens manifest in different ways and may not fit completely into the categories of diagnosis.
Children diagnosed with bipolar disorder also have other mental disorders which include attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) [2] or behavior problems, which can make diagnosis more difficult. In some cases, the best option is a referral to a child psychiatrist with adequate experience in bipolar disorder.