Should I ask my doctor for a bipolar test?

Bipolar disorder (also called manic depression) is a mental disorder of unusual shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. Symptoms are usually intense and differ from the normal ups and downs of life.

If you have bipolar, you likely experience emotional states stronger than usual. These can last during specific periods, called “mood episodes.” When the episodes are excited, they’re manic. When they’re depressed, they’re depressive. Sometimes, people may show parts of both moods or have a “mixed state”.

Bipolar signs

Drastic changes in mood, energy, and behavioural states may show up in episodes:

Manic episodes include Depressive episodes include:
Mood changes

  • Feeling high, overly happy, or outgoing
  • Irritability

Behavioural changes

  • Fast talking, shifting from one idea to another, racing thoughts
  • Easily distracted
  • Over-enthusiasm to take on new projects
  • Restlessness; sleeping little or insomnia
  • Holding illogical beliefs in one’s abilities or having high-risk behaviours
  • Impulsiveness
 Mood changes

  • Feeling sad or hopeless for extended periods
  • Disinterest in activities once enjoyed, including sex

Behavioural changes

  • Feeling tired
  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, and making decisions
  • Restlessness
  • Irritability
  • Changes in eating, sleeping, or other habits
  • Thinking of (or even attempting) suicide

Should I ask my doctor for a bipolar test?

If you think you might have bipolar disorder, talk to your doctor about your symptoms and ask them to test to see if bipolar disorder is the true cause of your symptoms. Then see a mental health specialist for treatment.

If you’re one of millions of people who prefer natural treatments to pharmaceutical medications, Truehope could be the answer you’ve been searching for. If you have bipolar and want to treat the cause effectively rather than cover up the symptoms with medication, EMPowerplus Advanced can help.