Health Information
Bipolar Disorder in Children and Teens
Exams and Tests
There is no lab test that can diagnose bipolar disorder. Doctors make the diagnosis through a combination of:
- A medical history, asking questions to help identify other past and present health conditions that could cause the symptoms.
- A family history to identify bipolar disorder, other mood disorders, or drug or alcohol problems in close relatives. (All of these conditions are linked to bipolar disorder.)
- A physical exam, which can rule out Reference other conditions with similar symptoms.
- A Reference mental health assessment, which can help identify your child's current mental state and the severity of Reference depression Opens New Window or Reference mania Opens New Window.
- Other written or verbal mental health tests.
Before prescribing medicine to treat bipolar disorder, your doctor will Reference ask questions about possible suicidal behavior.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference April 16, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference John Pope, MD - Pediatrics
Reference David A. Axelson, MD - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry |
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