The first step in getting a proper diagnosis is to talk to a doctor, who may conduct a physical examination, an interview, and lab tests. Bipolar disorder cannot currently be identified through a blood test 或者 a brain scan, but these tests can help rule out other contributing factors, such as a stroke 或者 brain tumor. If the problems are not caused 由 other illnesses, the doctor may conduct a mental health evaluation. The doctor may also provide a referral to a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, who is experienced in diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder.
The doctor 或者 mental health professional should conduct a complete diagnostic evaluation. He 或者 she should discuss any family history of bipolar disorder 或者 other mental illnesses and get a complete history of symptoms. The doctor 或者 mental health professionals should also talk to the person's close relatives 或者 spouse and note how they describe the person's symptoms and family medical history.
People with bipolar disorder are 更多 likely to seek help when they are depressed than when experiencing mania 或者 hypomania.17 Therefore, a careful medical history is needed to assure that bipolar disorder is not mistakenly diagnosed as major depressive disorder, which is also called unipolar depression. Unlike people with bipolar disorder, people who have unipolar depression do not experience mania. Whenever possible, 前一个 records and input from family and 老友记 should also be included in the medical history.
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