How do you diagnose bipolar disorder?

I sort of know what the symptoms are (thanks wiki) but I want to know how the doctor will diagnose it, how long will it take and what tests or whatever will i have to do?

You're already on the right track, since YOU are identifying possible symptoms, rather than denying them!

You should see a psychologist or psychiatrist, preferably one who specializes in treating bipolar disorder. They may send you for medical tests, but most likely, will start by asking questions and/or having you fill out a questionnaire.

Some things you may be asked are: "Do you often have racing thoughts that you cannot 'turn off'"?

"Do you often speak very rapidly and excitedly, without waiting for others to answer?"

Or, "Do you sometimes spend all day in bed?"

The key to these questions is to answer them honestly. Many bipolar sufferers do NOT, since they are embarrassed, or want to deny that they have a mental disorder. When this happens, things usually get worse.

Everyone goes through times like these occasionally, but the key is if you experience them on a regular basis, with wild fluctuations from one extreme to the other.

Bipolar disorder is difficult to treat, but with a combination of the correct diagnosis, medication and therapy, you should be able to control it.

You can take several of these tests by yourself online, which may help. See below. HOWEVER, a recent at-home test by a company called "Psynomics" (supposedly to find a genetic base for symptoms), has come under fire from doctors as unreliable and unsanctioned by the medical community. (1)

Still others have been looking for a blood test to diagnose bipolar disorder. Only one test produced "accurate" results, but was criticized as being too small. According to an article ion www.bipolarcentral.com:

"Blood test studies to diagnose Bipolar Disorder and its early detection (and, hopefully, even prevention) in larger psychiatric populations are ongoing. Still, at the present time, there are no definitive blood tests to determine whether a patient has Bipolar Disorder, and diagnosis must still be made based on a patient鈥檚 history and symptoms individually." (2)

The author, Michele Soloway, has a blog for bipolar survivors at: http://bipolarsurvivor.blogspot.com/

For a more scientific perspective on bipolar disorder, how it is often mistaken for depression and the different TYPES of it and how they should be treated, read this excellent article in Science Daily. (3)

Trials are currently underway, which claim effective treatment of bipolar disorder using a drug called Seroquel (an anti-psychotic). (4)

Though early results are promising, anyone offered this drug should remember that it has several nasty side effects and should only be used in the most extreme cases of bipolar disorder, to date.

Right now, your best option, IMO, is to see a psychiatrist and take the well-known tests, which are mostly questions and answers!