A Bipolar Test to Determine if the Disorder is Present - Does it Exist?
A bipolar test is something you are likely to turn to if you are a parent and suspect that your child may be bipolar or if you think that you might be. Are the many sites offering quick tests to answer this question reliable? The fact is that no single test can really accurately determine the answer of whether you or your child is Bipolar.
Bipolar disorder is also known as Manic-Depression and it is classified as a brain disorder. It results in shifts in the individual's moods, energy levels, and functionality. It is not the same as normal ups and downs that we all experience throughout our day to day lives in that the symptoms are considerably more severe than what the average person experiences. People with Bipolar Disorder find that it negatively impacts their relationships, the way they perform at work or at school, and can lead to suicidal thoughts and tendencies. However it is not all doom and gloom. There is good news for the person diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder because it can be treated well enough to enable the individual thus diagnosed to lead a normal, healthy, productive life.
It has been estimated that in excess of two million adults in the United States of America suffer with Manic Depression or Bipolar Disorder. Usually it begins to manifest itself toward the later teen years or during the early adulthood years. In rarer instances the symptoms might begin to be apparent even during childhood. Despite greater awareness many people remain undiagnosed and live the disorder, suffering for a great many years.
As a mood disorder Bipolar is part of a group which includes manic episodes, depression, and mixed episodes. When it comes to mental disorders this group is the most widespread simply because depression is so prevalent in our society. For a disorder to be classified as a mood disorder it has to involve physical, emotional, and behavioral disturbances and range from extreme highs to extreme lows.
As far as a bipolar test is concerned there remains a great deal of controversy about it simply because the symptoms of the disorder are controversial making accurate diagnosis questionable in many instances. There is no precise way of testing to determine if someone has Bipolar Disorder. No X-ray or blood test can determine if the person has the disorder or not. In fact the only way to determine if someone is Bipolar is to have them see a psychiatrist or other qualified mental health expert who will be trained to administer a test and determine whether the symptoms are present.
What are some of the symptoms that a bipolar test will reveal to indicate Bipolar Disorder?
- Manic Episodes
- Depressive Episodes
- Hypomania
- Suicidal Thoughts and Tendencies
- Mania
Medications Used to Treat Bipolar Disorder Include:
- Lithium - The FDA approved this mood-stabilizing medication before any of the others as effective in treating mania. It is supposed to prevent manic and depressive episodes from recurring.
- Depakote and Tegretol - mood stabilizers approved by the FDA in 1995.
- Lamictal, Neurontin, Topamax - Anticonvulsant medications whose efficacy as mood stabilizers yet undetermined. Sometimes they are prescribed in conjunction with Lithium.
As with all medications there are dangers of side-effects and these need to be fully investigated before you start your child on any of these medications. With more people becoming aware of what they put into their bodies and exercising greater care there are a growing number of people who are choosing a more natural approach when it comes to treating Bipolar Disorder. Any natural remedy meant for Bipolar Disorder needs to contain herbs that are known to have a calming effect and which are safe to use in conjunction with the regular drugs commonly prescribed for this disorder. After the bipolar test confirms you are Bipolar you might decide on a natural course of action but it is highly advisable to discuss this either with your doctor or with a homeopath especially if other medications are being used.
