Brief Answer: Explained below. Detailed Answer: Hi, Welcome to Healthcare Magic! Unfortunately there is no foolproof diagnostic test for diagnosing bipolar disorder. Diagnosis is based on a detailed history from the patient and family members along with mental status examination by a competent psychiatrist when the patient is actually having symptoms. Bipolar disorder is an episodic illness, characterized by episodes of depression or mania. Depressive episodes are associated with persistent low mood, fatigue, loss of interest, poor sleep and appetite, decreased concentration and negative thoughts. Manic episodes are just the opposite and are associated with excessive cheerfulness, increased self confidence, increased talking, overfamiliarity, excessive planning, loss of judgment, feeling excessively energetic etc. Since the quality of information elicited from patient's family members regarding the previous episodes depends a lot on their intelligence and understanding, it is best if a psychiatrist can see the patient during one of the episodes. Otherwise diagnosis remains somewhat doubtful. In my opinion, sit with your family members and ask them what abnormal behavior they had noticed in you. This will give you some pointers towards what may be wrong with you. I hope this clears up things for you to some extent. Please feel free to ask in case you need any clarifications. Best wishes. Dr Preeti Parakh MD Psychiatry

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