Bipolar Assessment and Diagnosis

A conversation about the whole history

A bipolar assessment considers more than how someone feels on the day of an appointment. The clinician asks about previous changes in mood and energy, the duration and impact of those changes, treatment history and relevant health or family information. Physical conditions and substances may also need consideration. These are reasons to seek an appropriate assessment rather than relying on a symptom score.

What to bring

Prepare a short timeline, a list of current medicines and supplements, previous reports that you can access, and two or three questions you most want answered. Record unusual periods as well as low periods. You can note uncertainty about dates; a useful account does not have to be a perfect medical record.

The appointment preparation guide and printable checklist help you organise this information.

Understanding uncertainty and second opinions

Ask whether the diagnosis is established or provisional, what evidence supports it and what information could change the assessment. When seeking a second opinion, bring the earlier explanation rather than asking only for agreement or disagreement. The purpose is a clearer care plan, not collecting competing labels.

Online information has a limited role

This website does not administer a diagnostic test. An online checklist cannot assess medical causes, clarify all overlapping conditions or judge immediate safety. Bring concerns about depression, ADHD, substance use or other possible explanations to the professional rather than deciding between them from a comparison article.

When an appointment should not wait

A routine consultation is not the right route for an immediate crisis. Use urgent local services when safety is in question. For a planned consultation, read what an assessment involves.