Is there a decisive test for bipolar disorder?
Blood tests can be used to diagnose bipolar disorder, but they don’t offer definite evidence. Doctors are recently using the test assay to detect proBDNF that may be neuroinflammatory, and (mature) mBDNF that may be neuroprotective. The test requires 12.4 nanograms per millilitre of serum mBDNF or fewer. It involves progress from previous tests with support for a clinical diagnosis of MDD or bipolar disorder.
Scientists confirm that the blood test will not change the diagnostic requirements for bipolar disorder in a few years. Your doctor may use the BDNF levels, but the diagnosis will always be done clinically. Thus, the test should not be seen as conclusive.