Become a fan on Facebook! Follow us on Twitter! Subscribe to RSS Feed
World of Psychology

Bipolar Depression Test

By Sandra Kiume

Researchers have developed a simple three-question screening test to sort bipolar depression from unipolar depression.

There are important reasons to distinguish between the two, such as that different treatments are necessary, the symptoms of bipolar depression are slightly different, and mood stabilizers and other preventative measures can help with future depressions – which otherwise tend to get worse and worse in the course of untreated bipolar disorders.

Most people with bipolar disorders are first misdiagnosed with unipolar depression, so the new Screening Assessment of Depression-Polarity (SAD-P) scale can help them get the correct diagnosis without going though what can often be many years of misdiagnosis and treatments that can actually be harmful (such as receiving antidepressants without a mood stabilizer, which can trigger mania and hypomania).

In their report in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, the researchers conclude, “This brief screen is simple and easy to use and does not impose an additional burden upon clinicians.”

Read more.


1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (3 votes, average: 3.67 out of 5)
Loading ... Loading ...

You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

12 Comments to
“Bipolar Depression Test”

I have a hard time making serious decisions. I sometimes have head and stomach aches. I dont have as big of appetite as i use to have. and I feel real angry more times than i do happy.

I get into really serious mood swings, and i could be on such a high and be soo happy but the smallest of things will set me off and make me down,angry,sad and not wanting to be alive.. i think stupid things and try not going to school, ive become more lazy and notice that everything in my life has kind of fallen apart, i did karate and i quite because my dad left at the start of the year and i just didnt have to motivation anymore, school become a bit off the agenda, i try not to go but i want to get an education, and myself i have let myslef go, my health my weight and just not caring for anything in my life. i have found that my right breast is extrememly sore and its feels like theres a lunp, i felt it about 2 weeks ago and didnt really think much of it.. but now it have become more sore and feels bigger and i am scared to death that it could be cancer or something along those lines, i have a doctors apointment at the end of the week, but cancer doesnt hurt? for thats what i have been told.. can extreme stress bring on cysts or something like that.. please i think i need help..

sdvb

I feel like Alice in Wonderland, like I’m in a world of obscenely awkward objects, characters, ideals, etc.
Every other second I want to cry and scream until I die of exhaustion.. and then I want to go out and be with my friends and be productive.
Then they say something obsolite but still pertinant and I want to cry and scream again.
I’ve always been passive, and I can’t hold it in me any longer.. I have violent episodes, and then moments where I want to love everyone.
I don’t know what I’m supposed to do about anything or with anyone.

My family has a long history of Bipolar, Schizophrenia, and Depression.
I have already seen a therapist for depression and anxiety, but I don’t think they got the whole story.
Please, help me figure out what to do.
I can’t bare it any longer.
Thank you.

Hi Jaki – sorry you’re having such a difficult time. If your therapist didn’t get the whole story, maybe you could try another one? Or try your doctor, who can refer you to a psychiatrist. I hope you find the help you’re seeking – just keep looking.

I am having the same trouble, Jaki. I cant figure out why. Just recently its gotten worse.
if anyone wants to just unload any feelings, or you need someone to talk to feel free to email me. ashleycounty@gmail.com

Im not judgemental or closeminded, so dont hesitate to send me an email. im always up for talking. Im a great listener.

no one in my familt has bipolar deppression and i think i might
i have terible mood swings,i cry myslef to sllep everynight and i think about death sometimes even though i never want to die
i’m not sure whst’s wrong with me

Hey Sandra.

I feel alot of those symptons.
But I’ve talked to a friend who knows this guy that has bipolar depression. And he has long periods of mania and then long periods of depression.

But i feel my mood swinging, way more often.
It can be several times a day.

For example i often get very very energetic, where i dance and sing and just can’t stand still, my family says im too much, and then you know one little thing just tricks me totally of, and i get so mad i just can’t stop again, even though i want to.

These days, i just can’t make myself do anything and i find myself sleeping 12 hours a day.

So my question is, could it be bipolar?
Cause the mood swings seem to come so much more offen. Is that usual in bipolar depression. Could it be anything else?

In the big picture, i see a patern. With good periods and bad. Overall i cant seem to finish anything i start and i have really big problems making decisions.
But don’t feel that there is such a strong difference in the mania and depressiv periods, compared to my friends friend.

Hi Sara,

There is a type of bipolar known as rapid cycling, and there’s even ultra rapid cycling, so it’s not out of the question. But it’s not the kind of thing you can say for sure with a brief questionnaire, so if you’re worried about it I recommend going to a professional.

Sandra,

I am a 50 year old women and am wondering if a full hysterectomy with removal of ovaries can bring on bipolar depression disorder. I have been working on balancing my hormones for almost 2 years and cannot seem to find the balance, yet have tried everything out there. I have also tried numerous SSRI/SNRI without success. I find that when my estregen level drops I go into a terrible state of depression. There is a family history, with my maternal grandmother and my brother. I have never shown signs of this disorder, yet after the surgery and the loss of my natural hormones, 3 months later I had a complete and utter meltdown with severe depression. Thank you.

Hi Jenni – neuroendocrinology is a very complicated field, and it’s best to consult a specialist. A peer support organization might be able to help with social issues, too. Good luck.

i dont noe. too much things are
going on. i hate schoo. i hate everyone.
i am nearly adn closely to the pt
where i cant take it anymore.
i just want to sufficate and die.

Join the Conversation! Post a Comment:


(Required, will be published)

(Required, but will not be published)

(Optional)


    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 29 Mar 2006

 


Recent Comments
  • consumer: Cell phones are one of the worst. Every Verizon phone is advertised at the a certain price–fter the...
  • LOL: Hi all and Dr, I have an interesting concept and perception. I am not sure how accurate I am in my...
  • TPG: Alternative remedies like acupuncture? Maybe. Therapeutic touch? You have got to be kidding....
  • Jude: I find these posts so darned annoying that ordinarily I don’t read anything posted by Borchard. However,...
  • ubi: There are no ‘alternative’ therapies, there are only those that work and those that don’t....
Article Tools
Bookmark
Print
Email Friend


Stumble It!


Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter


Users Online: 1186
Join Us Now!


Find a Therapist


 







Follow us on Twitter!

Find us on Facebook!