Latest news with #bipolar disorder
Health Line
a day ago
- Health
- Health Line
Diagnosis Guide for Bipolar Disorder
Key takeaways Diagnosis of bipolar disorder involves assessing mood episodes, which include manic and depressive states, and understanding that these experiences vary among individuals. The diagnostic process includes a comprehensive mental health evaluation, potentially involving family input, and aims to differentiate bipolar disorder from conditions with overlapping symptoms like ADHD or depression. Receiving a timely and accurate diagnosis, though it may evoke mixed emotions, is crucial for accessing effective, long-term treatment options, including therapy and medication, to improve overall well-being. People with bipolar disorder experience intense emotional changes that are very different from their usual moods and behaviors. These changes affect their lives on a day-to-day basis. Testing for bipolar disorder is not as simple as taking a multiple-choice test or sending blood to a lab. While bipolar disorder does show distinct symptoms, there's no single test to confirm the condition. Often, doctors use a combination of methods to make a diagnosis. Who is a candidate for diagnosis? Mood episodes are the main symptom of bipolar disorder, and everyone with the condition experiences these a little differently. Most people who live with bipolar disorder experience manic episodes (highs) and depressive episodes (lows). These episodes can last for several days, weeks, or more. People with bipolar disorder tend to fluctuate rapidly between mania and depression. Some people with bipolar disorder have long periods with neutral moods as well. The way people experience manic episodes varies from one person to another, but the episodes usually involve: feeling high, elated, or tense having little appetite having little need for sleep having racing thoughts possibly making harmful decisions sometimes feeling 'all powerful' During a depressive episode, your symptoms will likely be at the other end of the spectrum. You may: feel extreme sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness sleep more eat more have trouble concentrating and completing tasks have less interest in activities you usually enjoy have feelings of self-hatred or suicidal thoughts Getting help If you're having thoughts of suicide, help is out there. There is a thriving community of people living with and supporting each other through bipolar disorder every day. For free, confidential 24/7 help: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 or use the chat feature at Crisis Text Line: text HOME to 741-741 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline: call 800-662-HELP (4357) Trans Lifeline: call 877-565-8860 in the United States, or call 877-330-6366 in Canada If you or a loved one is in immediate danger, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Preparing for an adult bipolar disorder diagnosis If you think you may have bipolar disorder, you can start by visiting a healthcare professional. They will likely do a physical examination, discuss your medical history, and ask you some basic questions about your symptoms, family history, and life experiences. If your healthcare professional believes you may have bipolar disorder, they will probably refer you to a psychiatrist who will do a more detailed mental health evaluation. Some of the questions a psychiatrist may ask include: What symptoms are you experiencing? What are your thoughts and feelings like during a manic or depressive episode? Do you feel in control of your mania or how long an episode lasts? When did you first start experiencing these symptoms? Do you ever have suicidal thoughts or thoughts of self-harm? Do you have a history of substance misuse? Did anyone in your family have similar symptoms or a diagnosis of bipolar disorder? They might also ask your permission to ask friends and family about your behavior. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder requires at least one depressive and one manic or hypomanic episode. Any diagnosis will take into account other aspects of your medical history and the medications you've taken. Diagnosing bipolar disorder in children Bipolar disorder is not only an adult condition — it can also occur in children. Diagnosing bipolar disorder in children can be difficult because its symptoms can sometimes mimic those of: attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) anxiety disorders depression conduct disorders disruptive mood dysregulation disorder (DMDD) Symptoms of bipolar disorder in children can include: impulsiveness irritability aggression (mania) hyperactivity emotional outbursts periods of sadness The criteria for diagnosing bipolar disorder in children are similar to those for adults. While there is no single definitive test, psychologists can administer test batteries to help determine whether bipolar disorder is present. Diagnosis typically involves a comprehensive evaluation, including questions about your child's mood, sleeping patterns, and behavior. Because symptoms such as impulsiveness, irritability, hyperactivity, and emotional outbursts can also be associated with conditions like ADHD, distinguishing between them can be challenging. However, a doctor may ask specific questions to gather more insight, such as: How often does your child have emotional outbursts? How many hours does your child sleep a day? How often does your child have periods of aggression and irritability? The doctor may also ask about your family history of depression or bipolar disorder as well as check your child's thyroid function to rule out an underactive thyroid. Ruling out other conditions There are no specific blood tests or brain scans to diagnose bipolar disorder. Even so, a doctor may perform a physical exam and order lab tests, including a thyroid function test and urine analysis. These tests can help determine whether other conditions or factors could be causing your symptoms. A thyroid function test is a blood test that measures how well your thyroid gland functions. The thyroid produces and secretes hormones that help regulate many bodily functions. If your body does not receive enough of the thyroid hormone, which is known as hypothyroidism, your brain may not function as expected. As a result, you may have problems with depressive symptoms or develop a mood disorder. Sometimes, certain thyroid issues cause symptoms that are similar to those of bipolar disorder. Symptoms may also be a side effect of medications. After other possible causes are ruled out, your doctor will likely refer you to a mental health specialist. Other similar conditions One reason bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose is that it can have similar symptoms to other mental health conditions. Additionally, you can have other mental health conditions along with bipolar disorder. For example, during a manic episode of bipolar disorder, you may experience symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations, hearing voices, and other delusions. Sometimes people with these symptoms receive a diagnosis of schizophrenia but actually have bipolar disorder. It's also possible to experience other mental health conditions at the same time as bipolar disorder. People who have bipolar disorder often experience: anxiety disorders substance use disorders eating disorders ADHD Gender and race discrepancies in bipolar disorder diagnosis Bipolar disorder affects approximately 4.4% of U.S. adults. It affects all people at similar rates, but there are differences in how certain people experience symptoms and receive diagnoses: Men are more likely to show signs of mania and substance misuse. Women are more likely to experience major depressive disorder. Men are less likely to receive a proper diagnosis of bipolar disorder than women. A 2019 study show a higher prevalence of bipolar disorder diagnoses in the transgender community. There are discrepancies in terms of diagnosis based on race as well. For example, Black people in the United States tend to be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia and are more likely to receive subpar treatment for their bipolar disorder. Hispanic people in the United States are more likely to be misdiagnosed with schizophrenia and, thus, are more likely to receive inadequate treatment for bipolar disorder. Misdiagnosis Bipolar disorder is most often misdiagnosed in its early stages, which is frequently during the teenage years. When it's diagnosed as something else, symptoms of bipolar disorder can get worse. This usually occurs because the wrong treatment is provided. Other factors of a misdiagnosis are inconsistency in the timeline of episodes and behavior. Most people do not seek treatment until they experience a depressive episode. According to a 2018 study, bipolar disorder has a misdiagnosis rate as high as 76.8%. The condition shares many of the symptoms associated with other mental health conditions. Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed as: depression anxiety obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) schizophrenia a personality disorder Some things that may help doctors in getting it right are a strong knowledge of family history, fast recurring episodes of depression, and a mood disorder questionnaire. Talk with a doctor if you believe you may be experiencing any symptoms of bipolar disorder or another mental health condition. What happens after a bipolar disorder diagnosis? You may experience a mix of emotions if you receive a bipolar disorder diagnosis, including shock and sadness, but also relief and hope. Bipolar disorder is considered a long-term condition, but there are effective treatments available for you to live a full life. Treatments for bipolar disorder include a combination of therapy and medication. Therapy options for bipolar disorder include: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) psychotherapy, or 'talk therapy' interpersonal therapy family-focused therapy Medications commonly prescribed for bipolar disorder are: lithium anticonvulsants second-generation antipsychotics antidepressants Other frequently asked questions What are the different types of bipolar disorders you can receive a diagnosis for? A bipolar disorder diagnosis will most likely fit into one of these categories: Bipolar I disorder involves one or more manic episodes or mixed (manic and depressive) episodes, and it may include a major depressive episode. The episodes are not due to a medical condition or substance use. Bipolar II disorder has one or more severe major depressive episodes with at least one hypomanic ('lesser mania') episode. There are no manic episodes, but you may experience a mixed episode. Rapid-cycling bipolar disorder is a severe form of bipolar disorder. It occurs when you have at least four episodes of major depression, mania, hypomania, or mixed states within a year. Not otherwise specified (NOS) is a category for symptoms of bipolar disorder that do not clearly fit into other types. NOS is diagnosed when multiple symptoms of bipolar disorder are present but not enough to meet the criteria for any of the other subtypes. This category can also include rapid mood changes that do not last long enough to be clinical manic or depressive episodes. NOS includes multiple hypomanic episodes without a major depressive episode. Should you get a second opinion on a bipolar disorder diagnosis? It never hurts to get a second opinion on a diagnosis, but if you receive a diagnosis from a trusted psychiatrist and you believe it's accurate, you do not need to get one. One diagnosis from a qualified healthcare professional should be enough for any insurance or disability claims. Can you get a bipolar disorder diagnosis removed or reversed? A diagnosis of bipolar disorder usually is not removed because it's a lifelong disorder. But if you feel that your condition has been misdiagnosed, do not hesitate to advocate for yourself and seek a second medical opinion. Additional healthcare professionals may be able to reverse or amend a misdiagnosis of bipolar disorder. How long does the bipolar disorder diagnosis process take? Because bipolar disorder may be misdiagnosed, it can sometimes take years to get a proper diagnosis. However, once you find a healthcare professional who is willing to evaluate you for bipolar disorder, the process should only take a few weeks. When can you receive a diagnosis of bipolar disorder? You can receive a diagnosis of bipolar disorder at any time in your life. Children, teens, and adults can receive a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Who can you see for a bipolar disorder diagnosis? If you think you may have bipolar disorder, make an appointment with a healthcare professional, like a primary care doctor. They will examine you to rule out any possible medical reasons for your symptoms. If they suspect you have bipolar disorder, they will refer you to a psychiatrist for evaluation. Can bipolar disorder run in the family? Yes, a family history of bipolar disorder is the most influential risk factor for bipolar disorder. If you're concerned about your mental health symptoms, make sure to ask your parents, grandparents, or older family members if they remember anyone else in the family facing similar struggles. Your doctor will ask about your family's history of mental health during your diagnosis. Does a bipolar disorder diagnosis qualify for disability? Yes, bipolar disorder is considered a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and your employer must offer reasonable accommodations to you. How do I accept my bipolar disorder diagnosis? Bipolar disorder is not something to be ashamed of. You can work with a therapist on ways to make peace with your diagnosis, as many people do. Joining a bipolar disorder support group can help you feel less alone as well.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
15 Long-Term Effects Of Growing Up With An Unstable Parent
Growing up is tough enough, but when one of your parents has untreated or unstable bipolar disorder, it adds a whole other layer of complexity. Life feels unpredictable—one day it's laughter and love, and the next, it's walking on eggshells. That kind of childhood leaves a mark, shaping how you see yourself, others, and the world. Here's a look at the lasting effects of growing up in that whirlwind, and how they might still show up in your life today. Growing up in a home where moods shift suddenly wires your nervous system to always anticipate danger. Even in adulthood, your body remains hyper-alert, constantly on edge, waiting for the next emotional explosion. This can manifest as anxiety, irritability, or chronic tension that makes peace feel foreign. According to a study in the *Journal of Affective Disorders*, children of parents with bipolar disorder are significantly more likely to develop anxiety disorders themselves. Your nervous system learned to protect you—but now, it's learning to stand down. You might notice you jump at sudden noises or overthink your words, worried about triggering conflict. Relationships can be difficult because you're scanning for subtle signs of mood shifts. Even safe, stable environments don't feel fully safe—yet. With therapy, mindfulness, and emotional safety, you can slowly reteach your brain that calm doesn't mean danger is coming. It's a journey toward feeling grounded again. When you're raised in an environment where everything can change on a dime, emotional calm feels suspicious. You might find yourself bracing for a breakdown even when things are objectively fine. This often leads to pushing away good relationships or self-sabotaging just to recreate familiar chaos. You may even feel restless when things are going well, as if something must be wrong. It's hard to trust peace when you were raised in a storm. But healthy love doesn't come with wild highs and painful lows. It's consistent, safe, and sometimes even boring—and that's not a bad thing. Learning to sit with stability, rather than flee from it, is part of healing. You can start by noticing when you feel uncomfortable in peaceful moments and asking yourself why. Slowly, safety can become your new normal. If your parent's emotional needs always came first, you probably learned early that yours didn't matter. This creates a pattern of self-neglect that shows up as overworking, over-giving, or staying silent to keep the peace. Dr. Lindsay Gibson, author of *Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents*, explains that many adult children become chronic caretakers, sacrificing their own well-being. You might find it difficult to even identify your own feelings or needs. Putting yourself first feels selfish, even when it's an act of survival. It takes conscious effort to prioritize your own mental and emotional health. This might look like saying no without guilt or honoring your limits even if it disappoints someone else. You deserve to be heard, supported, and cared for—not just by others, but by yourself. Healing means giving yourself what you never received. You're allowed to be your own priority now. If your parent violated your privacy, ignored your feelings, or leaned on you for emotional support, your sense of boundaries may be blurry. You may struggle to say no or even recognize when someone is crossing a line. People-pleasing becomes a survival tactic to avoid conflict or abandonment. But boundaries are not punishments—they're acts of self-respect. They teach others how to treat you and give you room to breathe. At first, setting boundaries might feel mean or selfish. But with practice, you'll learn that they are necessary for any healthy relationship. Start small: pause before agreeing to something, take time to reflect, and communicate what you need. Boundaries won't push away the right people—they'll draw them closer. You're not being difficult; you're protecting your peace. Many kids of bipolar parents become 'little adults' far too soon. You might have cooked meals, soothed emotional breakdowns, or made big decisions no child should face. A 2021 study in *Frontiers in Psychology* found that children who take on parent-like roles—also called 'parentification'—are more likely to experience depression and relationship difficulties later in life. You didn't get to be a carefree child. That loss of innocence doesn't just disappear—it lingers in adulthood as perfectionism, control issues, or burnout. Even now, fun may feel irresponsible, and rest might trigger guilt. But healing means letting your inner child come out of hiding. You're allowed to play, explore, and not have it all figured out. The weight you carried wasn't yours to begin with. Letting go is hard—but so is holding on to what's not yours. When moods exploded without warning, you learned to tiptoe around feelings. As an adult, this habit can show up as overthinking every text, apologizing for things that aren't your fault, or avoiding conflict altogether. It's exhausting to constantly monitor others' emotions. But you've likely confused emotional safety with silence. Real safety comes from honest communication—not walking on eggshells forever. You deserve relationships where you don't have to censor your every word. Begin by noticing when you shrink yourself out of fear. What would it feel like to speak without second-guessing? Healing means trusting that you won't be punished for being human. Peace isn't the absence of conflict—it's the freedom to be yourself without fear. Chronic anxiety is a common legacy of growing up in emotional chaos. Studies from the *National Institute of Mental Health* show a higher prevalence of anxiety disorders in children of parents with mood disorders. You might struggle with insomnia, racing thoughts, or a constant sense of dread—even when nothing's wrong. Your nervous system hasn't caught up with your current reality. It's still reacting to a danger that's no longer there. That internal alarm system needs reprogramming. Tools like cognitive behavioral therapy, breathwork, and mindfulness can help bring your body and mind back to the present. You don't have to live in fear forever. Anxiety isn't who you are—it's a response to who you had to be. And it can be healed with time, support, and patience. You might be addicted to control, micromanaging every part of your life just to feel safe. But paradoxically, chaos still draws you in. You may find yourself in unstable relationships or high-stress environments that mimic the unpredictability of childhood. It's not because you love drama—it's because it's familiar. Your nervous system mistakes chaos for home. Awareness is the first step in breaking this pattern. Ask yourself: 'Is this comforting because it's familiar—or because it's good for me?' Choosing peace over chaos is a radical act of self-care. Stability may feel uncomfortable at first, but it's the foundation for healing. You're allowed to outgrow survival mode. Growing up with a bipolar parent sharpens your instincts—you had to learn to read the room fast to stay emotionally safe. You might now be hyper-aware of body language, tone changes, or emotional shifts in others. While this skill can make you empathetic and intuitive, it can also make you anxious and hyper-responsible. You may take on emotions that don't belong to you. It's a survival skill that became second nature—but now it's time to unlearn parts of it. You don't need to fix or manage everyone else's emotional state. It's not your job to preempt pain or smooth over every uncomfortable moment. You're allowed to let others take responsibility for their own feelings. Empathy is powerful—but boundaries are what make it sustainable. You can be deeply caring without being emotionally consumed. In a home where anger felt explosive or silence felt like abandonment, conflict became terrifying. As an adult, this can make even small disagreements feel like full-blown threats. You might shut down, apologize quickly, or agree just to make it stop. But conflict isn't inherently dangerous—it's a natural part of honest connection. Learning this truth is part of growing out of your survival self. Avoiding conflict comes at the cost of your authenticity. It keeps you small and disconnected from your real voice. The key is practicing conflict with safe people—those who listen, stay calm, and don't punish you for honesty. Speaking up won't ruin the right relationship. In fact, it may be the thing that finally deepens it. You learned early that no one was coming to save you. So you became self-reliant, capable, and emotionally guarded. Independence may be your superpower—but it can also become a shield. Letting people in, asking for help, or depending on someone else might feel terrifying. Vulnerability wasn't safe growing up, so now it feels like a risk. But connection requires a softening of your edges. You don't have to carry everything alone to be strong. True strength is letting yourself be seen and supported. You deserve reciprocity, not just resilience. Let love in, even if it makes you feel exposed—it's where the healing begins. If love in your childhood was inconsistent—warm one moment, cold the next—you may now confuse intensity with intimacy. You're used to love feeling like a rollercoaster, where emotional whiplash feels normal. Healthy love might seem dull or even suspect. You might test your partner to see if they'll stick around or chase after people who withhold affection. But love doesn't have to feel like a battle to be real. Healthy relationships are rooted in consistency, respect, and emotional safety. They won't trigger your fight-or-flight response. Instead, they'll teach your nervous system what it feels like to be safe, loved, and calm. It's okay if it feels unfamiliar—it means you're doing it differently now. And different is what breaks the cycle. You had to grow strong in the fire. Every survival tactic you learned—empathy, independence, resilience—was hard-earned. You've navigated a world that didn't always make room for your pain and still showed up. That strength is worth honoring. But don't mistake coping mechanisms for healing—they helped you survive, but they don't have to define you. Now, your strength can look softer: knowing when to rest, when to ask for help, when to release what's not yours. It's okay to drop the armor. You don't have to fight so hard anymore. Strength isn't about suffering—it's about choosing peace. And you've more than earned it. Healing from a childhood shaped by bipolar instability isn't a straight line. You'll have breakthroughs, setbacks, and everything in between. Some days you'll feel like you've outgrown the past, and other days it'll come back in waves. That's part of the process—it's not linear. The important thing is that you keep moving, even if it's slow. Progress is in the tiny choices: setting boundaries, choosing peace, going to therapy, breaking patterns. Every step you take is a reclamation of your life. You're not healing to erase the past—you're healing to build a future that feels like yours. It's messy, but it's yours. And it's worth every bit of effort. Peace might feel foreign when you've grown up in chaos. At first, it can even feel boring—like something must be wrong. But slowly, your nervous system starts to settle. You learn that peace doesn't mean numbness—it means freedom. It's the space to breathe, to dream, and to be without constantly bracing for disaster. You begin to enjoy the quiet, to trust the calm, to savor relationships that don't come with drama. It's a redefinition of what home feels like—inside your body and in the world around you. Peace becomes your baseline, not your reward. You're not chasing it anymore—you're living it. And that's the most radical transformation of all.
