How is Bipolar Disorder diagnosed and treated?
| Bipolar Disorder is usually diagnosed by a psychiatrist, a specialist, equipped to recognize the symptoms. An accurate diagnosis is very important, because treatment will usually include medications. If the wrong medications are prescribed, symptoms may worsen, or side effects may occur. It is wise to have a medical evaluation to be sure the symptoms do not come from another source, like poor thyroid or kidney function, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, lupus, even sodium imbalance. Bipolar Disorder can also be misdiagnosed as other psychiatric disorders like borderline personality, eating disorders, or schizophrenia. If Bipolar Disorder is confirmed, a combination of therapies is often used with good results. These can reduce the frequency and severity of episodes. Treatment(s) can include: • Medications like lithium, anticonvulsants (which are used with good results), medication to treat extreme manic episodes, medication to treat insomnia • Education and therapy for the patient and fa
