there is no laboratory test to 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 substance abuse problems in close relatives. (all of these conditions are linked to bipolar disorder. ) a physical exam which can rule out other conditions with similar symptoms (such as hyperthyroidism ). a mental health assessment which can help identify your child's current mental state and the severity of depression or mania. other written or verbal mental health tests. in young children the symptoms of mania are more than just being a bother to adults and other children now and then. for example many children can be silly and giggly to a point that it bothers their parents sometimes. this is not considered to be a sign of mania. but if a child is silly and giggly for several hours several times almost every day and this is interrupting the family's usual routine then it may be a symptom of mania. before prescribing medicine to treat bipolar disorder your doctor will check your child for possible suicidal behavior by asking a few questions. see a list of questions your doctor may ask your child. webmd medical reference from healthwise this information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information. © 1995-2011 healthwise incorporated. healthwise healthwise for every health decision and the healthwise logo are trademarks of healthwise incorporated.
what exams and tests help doctors to evaluate or test people for bipolar disorder in childhood and adolescence?