How will a psychiatrist determine whether I suffer from bipolar disorder?

How will a psychiatrist determine whether I suffer from bipolar disorder?

Christopher Reist (Academic Psychiatrist, Co-Author of “Psychiatry”) gives expert video advice on: What's the difference between "major depression" and "bipolar disorder"?; Is there anything I can do to avoid developing bipolar disorder? and more...

Making a diagnosis of bipolar disorder primarily stems from a psychiatric interview and an assessment of a patient's history. History is especially important in bipolar disorder because it's the pattern of mood episodes that is primarily considered. There aren't specific tests, but sometimes psychiatrists will use instruments such as rating scales to assist them in systematically evaluating various symptoms of depression or mania.