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What is the cause of bipolar disorder?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder. I have high energy and aggression.

Kindly help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for your query.

I understand your concern. Diagnosis of bipolar disorder is made through history taken from the patient and the patient’s family members. There are no specific tests or imaging techniques that can help in making a diagnosis. DSM-V or ICD manuals are used in making diagnoses of bipolar disorders. Any individual who develops either a mania episode or mania with depressive episodes or mixed episodes they are evaluated for bipolar disorder. Kindly mention your core symptoms about their onset and progression. Also, mention any history of similar episodes.

I hope this has helped you. Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My father, who is a psychiatrist, diagnosed me with bipolar disorder. He claimed it was because I displayed erratic and odd behavior. In my school, I did not make the best grades. I would lie to my teachers about missing homework assignments to avoid trouble. I have never been depressed. I have good control over my emotions. I am open to a more objective examination if that is possible. I need help. My father, although good-intentioned, has caused more harm than good by giving me this diagnosis. If you can ask questions about my past, that would be a good start. I have asked my father to please tell me more about my condition. He fails to give me any details. I believe there is a communication gap between him and him. My father seems to get confused when this happens.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have a few questions for you. How old are you? What are you doing right now? Studying or doing a job? Are you married or in any relationship? What were the main symptoms that made you or your father think you might have bipolar disorder? Are these symptoms occur in episodes or remain persistent? Any aggravating factors that relieve the symptoms? Any history of similar symptoms? Any medicines you have taken so far? Mainly for psychiatric issues? Do you have any symptoms like increased cheerfulness, persisting irritation, or anger outbursts? Any symptoms like feeling more energetic than usual? Or feeling that I do not need much sleep? Any symptoms like increased risk-taking behavior like driving faster than usual or risk-taking in other situations? Frequent fights with family members or with friends or colleagues? Any increased sexual desires or sex-related behaviors? Any feelings that I am superior to others or I am right, and others are wrong? These are core symptoms of manic episodes, though they are not exclusive. For example, sometimes children or youngsters under pressure to study lie to teachers or parents to avoid humiliation or punishment. This cannot be said to be any personality trait. What kind of odd behavior have you shown? What kind of metaphors do you use? Can you give some examples? For example, have you experienced thoughts as I should always be right in conversations, or I should impart influence of my thoughts on others?

I hope this has helped you. Thank you.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At December 18, 2022
Reviewed AtSeptember 26, 2023

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