What Can I Learn From Taking A Bipolar Test?

Bipolar disorder can feel distressing for those who live with the condition. It is often characterized by ups and downs in mood, called depression, mania, and hypomania. 

Children and teens can be diagnosed with bipolar disorder. If you suspect you may be experiencing symptoms related to this condition, reaching out for support from a licensed mental health practitioner could be beneficial. 

If you are a teen, you can learn more about bipolar symptoms by reading about the condition and asking your parent if you can meet with a provider. Online bipolar tests may also be useful, though they should not replace professional advice or diagnosis. 

What is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition resulting in extreme mood shifts. These shifts may include emotional highs (mania or hypomania) and lows (depression). The disorder was formerly called manic depression but has since been updated to distinguish it from other mental illnesses.

Periods of depression 

During bouts of bipolar depression or low points, those with bipolar disorder may experience feelings of sadness, helplessness, and a loss of interest in activities, including those that used to be enjoyable. 

Mania and hypomania 

When one’s mood shifts to mania or hypomania (less extreme than mania), one may feel energized, euphoric, or irritable. These mood swings may seriously impact one’s life, affecting sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior, and the ability to think clearly. People with bipolar spectrum disorders may have trouble managing everyday tasks at work, school, or maintaining relationships. Some individuals with bipolar disorder may be at risk to become known as someone who has started fights as well.

Mood swings 

Mood swing episodes may occur multiple times a year. Bipolar depression may last two weeks or more, and mania may last a few days to a few months. In some cases, those living with bipolar disorder experience mixed episodes where mania and depression rapidly cycle throughout the days or weeks. These mood swings can range from feeling self-confident to depressed in a short span of time.

How common is bipolar disorder?

Bipolar spectrum disorder is common. About 2.9% of American adolescents have been diagnosed with the condition, which amounts to about 12 million teens in the US. Often, symptoms of bipolar disorder show up during adolescence or childhood. The average age for people diagnosed with bipolar disorder is 25 years old.

Although bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, it may be possible to manage mood swings and other symptoms by following a treatment plan. In many cases, bipolar disorder is successfully treated by psychological counseling (psychotherapy), medications, or a combination of the two. 

Why take a test for bipolar disorder?

If you have had at least one episode of symptoms of bipolar disorder, further exploring these symptoms can feel validating. Taking a bipolar disorder test at home or online or an official diagnostic exam might give insight into how bipolar disorder impacts your life.

Spending money on an online bipolar disorder test may help you become familiar with various symptoms of bipolar disorder and reflect upon how your experiences have affected your well-being. When you meet with a doctor or mental health professional, you may feel better able to list your symptoms. 

Process of bipolar diagnosis in adolescents 

In some cases, teens may be referred to an official psychoanalysis test to be completed by a psychologist or psychiatrist. In this case, your official test results can show an accurate diagnosis and help inform a treatment plan. 

Screening tests

A screening test is often done to detect potential mental health conditions in teens or adults. A child or teen may seek the support of an adolescent psychologist or neuropsychologist to complete the screening test.  

Often, screening goals include early detection and lifestyle changes or surveillance. They are not considered diagnostic but are used to identify a potential need for further diagnostic screening or testing. 

For bipolar disorder, a standard screening instrument is the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ), though there are many other tests that mental health providers use. Often, a bipolar disorder screening test may ask the participant various questions to determine if they are experiencing symptoms of manic or depressive episodes.

Consult a licensed mental health professional regarding the appropriate timing and frequency of the screening test based on age, overall health, and medical history. Additionally, answer each question carefully and thoroughly. Before your appointment, you may want to make a list of the following: 

1. Any symptoms you have had, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for the appointment
2. Key profile, including any significant stresses or recent life changes
3. Questions to ask the doctor

Ruling out other medical conditions and disorders

When evaluating an adolescent for bipolar disorder, a professional may first rule out other conditions. 

To understand your symptoms better, the healthcare provider may: 

1. Perform a physical exam
2. Order tests to check blood and urine
3. Order a psychological evaluation to understand moods and behaviors

If the healthcare provider does not find a medical issue or cause, they may refer the patient to a mental health professional like a psychiatrist or psychologist. A mental health professional may prescribe a treatment plan to treat the condition. A psychologist may also teach behavioral techniques for managing mood shifts or other periods of symptoms. 

Getting a diagnosis could take multiple sessions or examinations. The symptoms of bipolar disorder may overlap with those of other mental disorders and mental health issues, so professionals may observe your mental health history over time. 

If you’re a teenager or child, your practitioner may also speak to your parents about symptoms or mood changes they have observed. 

Common symptoms of bipolar disorder 

Understanding any symptoms you’re experiencing may assist you in receiving an accurate diagnosis. Please let your doctor know if you relate to any of the following symptoms. 

Mania and hypomania

Mania and hypomania are two distinct episodes related to bipolar disorder. Mania is more severe than hypomania and causes more noticeable problems at home, work, school, or related social activities. Mania lasts one week or longer, while hypomania may occur for a few days. 

Individuals experiencing mania may also face difficulties maintaining and managing personal and professional relationships or may even run into legal troubles. Mania could also trigger psychosis, delusions, or feelings of grandeur and require hospitalization in some cases. 

Mania and hypomania may include the following symptoms: 

• Feeling abnormally upbeat, elated, or jumpy
• Unusual talkativeness
• Racing thoughts
• Not feeling like your usual self
• Getting easily distracted
• Having much more energy than normal
• An exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence or a feeling of euphoria and intense optimism
• Impulsivity 
• Difficulty making sound decisions 
• Getting much less sleep than necessary

Depression 

A major depressive episode may include severe symptoms that cause noticeable day-to-day difficulties. Depression symptoms may last two weeks or more. These symptoms can affect almost all areas of life, including work, school, social activities, or relationships.

An episode may include the following symptoms:

• Depressed mood: feeling sad, empty, hopeless, or tearful (in children and teens, a depressed mood can appear as irritability)
• Marked loss of interest or feeling no pleasure in all or almost all activities
• Insomnia or excessive sleepiness 
• Restlessness or slowed behavior
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Significant weight changes; in children and teens, difficulty gaining weight as expected for the age group can be a symptom 
• Feelings of self-doubt, worthlessness, or excessive and inappropriate guilt
• Trouble concentrating
• Decreased memory capacity 

What are the potential results of screening for bipolar disorder?

There are four types of bipolar disorder an individual may be diagnosed with, and each has slightly different criteria, as outlined in the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). 

For these to be diagnosed, the criteria must be filled for at least one episode of mania or hypomania. The psychiatrist, therapist, or psychologist may help identify the type of bipolar disorder based on their psychological evaluation exams.

Bipolar I disorder 

Bipolar I Disorder is defined by manic episodes that last at least seven days or manic symptoms that are so severe that a person needs immediate inpatient care. 

Often, depressive episodes occur during this same period, typically lasting at least two weeks. Episodes of depression with mixed features (having depressive and manic symptoms simultaneously) are also possible.

Bipolar II disorder 

Bipolar II Disorder is often defined by a pattern of depressive and hypomanic episodes, but not full manic episodes. Hypomania may last less than a week in some cases. 

Cyclothymic disorder 

Cyclothymic disorder is defined by periods of hypomanic symptoms and periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least two years in adults and one year in children and adolescents. 

However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode or a depressive episode in its entirety. 

Other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders 

At times, an individual might experience symptoms of bipolar disorder that do not match the three categories listed above, which is referred to as an “other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorder.”

The symptoms of the episodes should not be attributable to schizophrenia or other mental health problems falling under the category of a psychotic disorder or schizophrenia spectrum disorder.

What is the treatment for bipolar disorder? 

Long-term treatment is often recommended for those with symptoms of bipolar disorder. According to the American Journal of Psychiatry, early prevention is key for improving the chance of a positive outcome. Healthcare providers often prescribe a combination of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. 

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling, can involve psychological methods to support a person in changing behavior and overcoming distressing symptoms. It may be practiced in an individual, family, couple, or group setting. 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is often utilized to identify unhealthy negative beliefs and behaviors and replace them with healthy, positive ones. CBT can help identify what triggers your bipolar episodes. You may also learn practical strategies to manage stress and cope with emotions related to bipolar disorder. 

Psychoeducation 

Psychoeducation may teach the patient with bipolar disorder and their loved ones more about bipolar disorder symptoms to help them make decisions about care and treatment.

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy 

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy may help one create a consistent daily routine for sleep, diet, and exercise. A consistent routine may allow for mood management. Those with bipolar disorder may benefit from establishing daily rhythms and routines in relationships and other areas of life. 

Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) 

DBT is a therapy often used to support those with a mood disorder in controlling emotions, creating healthy relationships, and managing symptoms through mindfulness. DBT is an approved treatment and screening instrument for adolescents, and you may be able to participate in it with your family or a group of other adolescents. 

Medication

Several medications are often prescribed to aid in the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Medication may include mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Anti-anxiety medications may also be prescribed in some cases, as anxiety can be a symptom of the condition. Consult with your healthcare professional before starting or stopping a medication.

Lifestyle changes

Teens may benefit from lifestyle changes for bipolar disorder, including the following. 

Avoid substance use 

Risk-taking behaviors can be common in bipolar disorder. Taking steps to avoid substances or peer pressure can be beneficial. If you are struggling with substance use, reach out to a parent, caregiver, or school counselor for support. 

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Form healthy relationships 

Keep people who are a positive influence close to you. Friends and families may provide support and help you watch for warning signs of mood shifts or changes in your mental health. Having telephoned friends to reach out to when you need some extra support may help you feel better during difficult times.

Create a healthy routine 

Having a sleeping, eating, and physical activity routine may keep your mental health in check. Studies show that a healthy diet may also benefit your mental health. 

Consider keeping a mood diary 

If your thoughts race, keeping a record of daily moods, treatments, sleep, activities, and feelings may help identify triggers, effective treatment options, and when treatment needs to be adjusted.

Counseling options 

Many teens and their families seek support from a counselor when experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder. If you don’t feel like your normal self or think you may have this disorder, you might ask your caregivers to make an appointment with a mental health professional. 

In addition, counseling can be beneficial in managing daily symptoms or stressors. For teens and families looking for an affordable alternative to traditional counseling, online therapy may be an option. Researchers have proved online therapy to be as effective as in-person therapy. Additionally, 71% of participants in a recent online counseling study found internet-based interventions preferable to those that were not online. 

For teens seeking online counseling to improve a mental health condition, you might decide to sign up on a platform such as TeenCounseling. Ask your parent for permission and have them support you through the signup and payment process. For those over 18, sites like BetterHelp can be valuable.