What’s the Testing Process for Bi Polar?

Question by Annabel: What’s the testing process for bi polar?
I’m 16, can I just go to the doctor say I think I might have it and they can test me? My parents wont let me do anything about thinking I have depression or bi polar. My aunt is bi polar and they don’t talk to her or about her. What’s the process like? Can I just do it alone?

Best answer:

Answer by reverse metamorphosis
You know it’s going to cost you money to get tested, and they’ll probably put you through an IQ test and a complete personality test AFTER you’ve filled out a little questionnaire that will tell them whether or not you might have something wrong with you.

That’s what they did for me when I was 13. But it does cost money and typically you have to get parental permission.

Answer by Kat
There really isn’t a set testing process. Since you are under 18, however, you do need your parents’ consent to be treated by a psychiatrist or be evaluated for it, just like any regular doctor. I’m sure there are websites who will claim to “test” you for 19.95 or some quack, but personally I don’t believe any of that.

I was diagnosed with Major Depression and Bipolar II [as well as some other things] six years ago when I was 13. I will tell you though that even if a doctor sees signs of a mental disorder, the diagnosis cannot be completely verified until you are 18. This is because although your mind is constantly going through changes your whole life, the major changes aren’t finished until around the time you’re 18.

The main symptoms of bipolar are:
+Severe mood swings
Now, this is from extreme manic to extreme depressive, not just kind of sad to kind of happy. Most people will tell you that the different moods will last weeks, months, or even years at a time. While this is true for Bipolar I, in Bipolar II, the moods can change during the day or only last a few days.

+Change in appetite/weight
This is common with most things, from Bipolar to Depression or stress to anxiety. It can either be an increase or decrease; personally, I saw that during my depressed moods, I would tend to eat more and during my manic stages, I would eat less.

+Change in sleeping habits
Once again, this is a common symptom for a lot of problems. Usually someone who is manic feels no need to sleep and someone who is depressed is constantly feelings exhausted no matter how much they sleep.

Some symptoms that are typical of a manic episode are: thoughts of invincibility, racing thoughts, a feeling of heightened awareness, talking rapidly, impulsiveness or extreme difficulty in concentrating.

Some symptoms that are typical of a depressive episode are: irritability, loss of hope, joy or the inability to feel pleasure, fatigue, guilt or sluggishness [both mental or physical].

All in all, the only person who can correctly diagnose a mental illness or provide treatment for it is a doctor.

Hope this helps you out. :]

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