Other possible conditions
There is no specific blood test or scans to help diagnose bipolar disorder. Your doctor will majorly conduct a physical exam and order some lab tests, such as thyroid function tests and urine analyses. These tests are done to determine if your symptoms could be a result of other health conditions and not BPD. You may also experience similar symptoms like depression if your body isn’t receiving enough thyroid hormone, known as hypothyroidism. To rule out this condition your doctor will perform a thyroid function test which is a blood test that helps measure how well your thyroid gland functions. The thyroid produces and secretes hormones that help regulate many bodily functions. Failure of the thyroid to do this may affect the function of your brain. Some thyroid issues cause symptoms that are similar to bipolar disorder. Your symptoms may also be a side effect of the medication you are taking. Ruling out other possible conditions is part of the diagnosis.