ANSWERS: 1
  • <h4 class="dechead">On One Hand: Blood Tests are Used in Bipolar Diagnosis

    Diagnosticians commonly employ lab tests including blood work when trying to diagnose bipolar disorder. These may include, according to Medline Plus, tests to check for thyroid function and to monitor drug levels in the system. The Mayo Clinic further reports that heart health may be checked through tests for heart rate and blood pressure when diagnosing bipolar disorder.

    On the Other: Their Use Is Limited

    The use of blood work in diagnosing bipolar disease is very limited. Blood work can be used to rule out other potential causes of symptoms experienced by the patient, or to check for factors worsening symptoms, such as drug use, according to the Mayo Clinic and Medline Plus.

    Bottom Line

    Blood work alone cannot be used to definitively diagnose bipolar disorder. Diagnosing bipolar disorder involves a complex array of tools, including, according to the Mayo Clinic, physical and psychological examinations and charting moods in addition to lab work with blood tests.

    Source:

    Mayo Clinic: Bipolar Disorder Tests and Diagnosis

    Medline Plus: Bipolar Disorder

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