How do doctor's test for to see if you are BiPolar?!

How do doctor's test for to see if you are BiPolar?

I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety 12 years ago. Through meds and therapy I am somewhat better. However I have times of great highs followed by the lowest lows. It is like I have no middle ground. I am either elated or incredibly depressed. My new therapist recently suggested I might be BiPolar. How do they test or determine if you have it or not? I am very nervous (doctors and tests are a big phobia of mine) and would feel better if I knew more about what to expect (especially from someone who has been through it and not just a doctor). Thank you!

If you do have bipolar disorder, your life can be so much better if you are on the right meds. Who is prescribing your meds? See a psychiatrist and tell them your story. There is no test, per se, for Bipolar Disorder. A psychiatrist will assess you to see what mood you are in now and listen to your story for a history of your moods and anxiety. If they believe that you have experienced mania or mixed (manic and depressed) moods then you may receive a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and the right medication. It is so worth it. Take care of yourself. Here is some information on bipolar disorder that I hope helps.

Here are a couple of free screenings for Bipolar Disorder:
Goldberg Bipolar Screening Quiz http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/bipolarq...
Free screenings at Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance:
http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/pageserv...


Bipolar Disorder Internet Resources:

Good Information than anyone can read:
From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/bipolar_dis...
About.com: http://bipolar.about.com/

Support, Resources and Information:
Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance: http://www.dbsalliance.org
National Allisance for the Mentally Ill: http://www.nami.org
Bipolar Significant Others http://www.bpso.org/
Pendulum per support: http://www.pendulum.org/

Good Sources of Information:
National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/bipolar...

Medline Plus: Bipolar Disorder http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/bipol...

MayoClinic.com: Bipolar Disorder http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar...

Johns Hopkins Medicine: Bipolar Disorder http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/epigen/bp...

emedicine from WebMD: Bipolar Affective Disorder: http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic229.ht...

National Guidline Clearinghouse: Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with bipolar disorder (this includes the regulatory drug alters and warnings) http://www.guideline.gov/summary/summary...

WebMD: Bipolar DIsorder http://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder...

PsycCentral:
Goldberg Bipolar Screening Quiz http://psychcentral.com/quizzes/bipolarq...
Bipolar Disorder http://psychcentral.com/disorders/sx20.h...
Online Resources http://psychcentral.com/resources/bipola...