Bipolar disorder affects more than five million Americans each year, often causing major disruptions in their personal and professional lives. Despite its prevalence, as many as 80% of individuals remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for up to 10 years. Most patients with bipolar disorder will receive 3.5 misdiagnoses and consult four physicians before getting an accurate diagnosis. If you or a loved one is experiencing severe mood swings, intense emotional highs and lows, or difficulty maintaining stability, seeking expert evaluation is the first step toward understanding and managing the condition.
At NeuroHealth in Arlington Heights, Illinois, professional bipolar testing is available to help you gain clarity and develop a tailored care plan. In this guide, we explain what bipolar disorder is, the various types that exist, what to expect during testing, and the various treatment options available.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood shifts. It can range from manic or hypomanic episodes to periods of depression. These changes are more severe than typical mood swings and can affect daily functioning. Common signs of bipolar disorder include:
- Manic symptoms: Elevated mood, increased energy, reduced need for sleep, impulsive decision-making, and grandiosity.
- Depressive symptoms: Persistent sadness, fatigue, loss of interest in activities, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of self-harm.
Types of Bipolar Disorder
There are various types of bipolar disorder, such as:
- Bipolar I disorder: Involves at least one manic episode that lasts a week or longer, often alternating with depressive episodes.
- Bipolar II disorder: Characterized by both hypomanic and depressive episodes. Hypomania is less intense than mania and usually lasts around four days.
- Cyclothymic disorder: Includes periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms that don’t meet the diagnostic criteria for full episodes.
- Unspecified or other specified bipolar disorder: Encompasses a lack of sufficient information to form a diagnosis and/or symptoms of bipolar disorder that don’t fully fit into bipolar categories.
If you suspect you or someone close to you may have bipolar disorder, getting bipolar testing at NeuroHealth in Arlington Heights, can help you get appropriate treatment and improve your overall quality of life.
What To Expect During the Bipolar Testing Process
If you’re considering getting tested, understanding what happens during bipolar testing can help ease concerns and set realistic expectations. Below is a step-by-step overview of the process.
Initial Consultation
The testing process begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your medical history, symptoms, and family history. This step helps identify potential genetic links, as those with a first-degree relative diagnosed with bipolar disorder have a higher likelihood of developing the condition.
Diagnostic Assessments
Specialists may use structured interviews, questionnaires, and psychological testing to assess your bipolar disorder symptoms, their severity, and their duration. These tools are important for differentiating bipolar disorder from other psychiatric or mood-related conditions. Here’s a deeper look into what each assessment technique involves:
- Structured interviews: Guided conversations focus on identifying patterns of mania, hypomania, and depression.
- Questionnaires: Standardized forms, such as the Mood Disorder Questionnaire, assess symptom frequency and impact.
- Psychological testing: Methodized tests help pinpoint the severity and duration of mood episodes, distinguishing bipolar disorder from other conditions such as major depression or anxiety disorders.
These methods are key to achieving an accurate diagnosis, particularly given the complexity of bipolar symptoms.
Collaborative Approach
Assuring a thorough and accurate diagnosis often requires input from multiple professionals, including psychiatrists, psychologists, and sometimes primary care providers. This team-based strategy ensures that qualified individuals consider all aspects of your mental and physical health.
Outcome Discussion
After completing the evaluation, your provider will review the findings, give a clear diagnosis, and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This discussion focuses on empowering you with knowledge about your condition and the steps you can take to manage it effectively. The goal is to provide a comprehensive understanding of your diagnosis and collaborate on a personalized care strategy that fits your unique needs.
Treatment Options
After receiving a diagnosis, you can explore various treatment options from us and our partners:
- Medication management: Includes mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants, all of which are commonly used to manage bipolar symptoms, plus regular follow-ups with a referred psychiatrist to ensure the proper use and effectiveness of the medication.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: Helps manage distorted thinking patterns and build coping strategies
- Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy: Focuses on maintaining regular daily routines to stabilize mood swings
- Lifestyle modifications: Incorporates exercise, stress management, and a structured routine, which can significantly reduce symptom severity
- Support groups: Encourages engaging with others who share similar experiences to foster a sense of community and mutual support
If you live in or near Arlington Heights or the greater Chicago area and are in need of support for bipolar disorder or depression, NeuroHealth in Arlington Heights can help. Our family practice offers neuropsychological testing that can provide a diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.
Why Choose NeuroHealth, Arlington Heights
NeuroHealth in Arlington Heights stands out for its commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care. Here’s why:
- Expert evaluations: All members of our team at NeuroHealth are highly experienced and qualified to use the latest diagnostic tools to ensure accurate assessments.
- Individualized care plans: Every treatment plan is tailored to your unique needs, offering flexibility and personalized support.
- Holistic approach: Each patient is provided with ongoing care beyond diagnosis, including therapy, medication management, and lifestyle guidance.
- Local convenience: Our clinic in Arlington Heights makes all our services easily accessible for residents and nearby communities.
Schedule a Testing Appointment Today
Taking the first step toward understanding bipolar disorder can be life-changing. Don’t let uncertainty or untreated symptoms affect your quality of life. At NeuroHealth in Arlington Heights, Illinois, our expert evaluations are designed to guide you on your journey to mental wellness. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore your personalized care options. Call NeuroHealth at 847-558-6986 or visit our website today to book your appointment.
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