Bipolar Disorder

Diagnosis

Mayo Clinic specialists are experts at identifying the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder. An initial evaluation includes:

• Clinical interview: The psychiatrist or psychologist meets with the patient to discuss symptoms and concerns.
• Mental status exam: This exam consists of a series of questions designed to help clinicians determine if a person has problems with memory, mood, anxiety and the ability to reason.
• Patterns of symptoms: In-depth questions about mood swings, energy levels and behavior help the specialist identify the type of bipolar disorder.
• Psychological tests: These tests may be conducted to clarify the nature and severity of some symptoms.