Bipolar disorder, part 3

There are still  no blood tests that indicate that you have bipolar disorder.
When getting a diagnosis, a doctor or health care provider should conduct a physical examination, an interview, and lab tests. Currently, bipolar disorder cannot be identified through a blood test or a brain scan, but these tests can help rule out other factors that may contribute to mood problems, such as a stroke, brain tumor, or thyroid condition. If the problems are not caused by other illnesses, your health care provider may conduct a mental health evaluation or provide a referral to a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, who is experienced in diagnosing and treating bipolar disorder.

Getting a good family history is very important as well as a history of symptoms.
The doctor or mental health professional should discuss with you any family history of bipolar disorder or other mental illnesses and get a complete history of symptoms. The doctor or mental health professional should also talk to your close relatives or spouse about your symptoms and family medical history.
People with bipolar disorder are more likely to seek help when they are depressed than when experiencing mania or hypo -mania. Therefore, a careful medical history is needed to assure that bipolar disorder is not mistakenly diagnosed as major depression.

Delays in getting the correct diagnosis and treatment can contribute to personal, social, and work-related problems. Proper diagnosis and treatment help people with bipolar disorder lead healthy and productive lives. In most cases, treatment can help reduce the frequency and severity of episodes.

Co-occurring mental disorders are common.
Anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social phobia, also co-occur often among people with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder also co-occurs with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which has some symptoms that overlap with bipolar disorder, such as restlessness and being easily distracted. People with bipolar disorder are also at higher risk for thyroid disease, migraine headaches, heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and other physical illnesses. These illnesses may cause symptoms of mania or depression.

Bipolar sufferers are more open to treatment when depressed.
People with bipolar disorder are more likely to seek help when they are depressed than when experiencing mania or hypomania. Therefore, a careful medical history is needed to assure that bipolar disorder is not mistakenly diagnosed as major depression. Unlike people with bipolar disorder, people who have depression only (also called unipolar depression) do not experience mania.

Dual Diagnosis
Substance abuse is very common among people with bipolar disorder, but the reasons for this link are unclear. Some people with bipolar disorder may try to treat their symptoms with alcohol or drugs. However, substance abuse may trigger or prolong bipolar symptoms, and the behavioral control problems associated with mania can result in a person drinking too much.

Do you wish to start a (CAMI) Christians Afflicted with Mental Illness support group in your church or ministry?  We can help you. Contact information- http://www.heartfeltmin.org/#!contact/cito.
Do you need counseling by phone or Skype?  Please go to our web site that explains our financial ministry.
http://www.heartfeltmin.org/#!financial-fact-sheet/cy4s. You can use the above contact link to contact us and tell us what you need.
We also are looking to start another online CAMI group. All you need is a laptop.

Research on bipolar disorder.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/educational-resources/neuroscience-and-psychiatry/neuroscience-and-

For bipolar 4 please go to: http://sbloemreflections.blogspot.com/2014/04/bipolar-part-4.html
psychiatry-modules.shtml
For bipolar part 1 please go to: 
http://sbloemreflections.blogspot.com/2014/04/what-is-bipolar-disorder-part1-in-series.html 
For bipolar part 2 please go to:http://sbloemreflections.blogspot.com/2014/04/bipolar-part-2.html

Famous people with bi-polar disorder - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_people_with_bipolar_disorder

http://www.amazon.com/Broken-Minds-Healing-Youre-Losing/dp/0825421187