Bipolar disorder physical examination

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Nuha Al-Howthi, MD[2]

Overview

• Physical examination of patients with bipolar disorder is usually normal.

Bipolar disorder Microchapters
Home
Patient Information
Overview
Historical Perspective
Classification
Causes
Differentiating Bipolar disorder from other Diseases
Epidemiology and Demographics
Risk Factors
Natural History, Complications and Prognosis
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Criteria Bipolar I Bipolar II Cyclothymic Disorder Substance/Medication-Induced Bipolar Disorder Bipolar Disorder Due to Another Medical Condition Unspecified Bipolar Disorder
History and Symptoms
Physical Examination
Laboratory Findings
Other Diagnostic Studies
Treatment
Medical Therapy
Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy
Future or Investigational Therapies
Case Studies
Case #1
Bipolar disorder physical examination On the Web
Most recent articles
cited articles
Review articles
CME Programs
Powerpoint slides
Images
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Bipolar disorder physical examination All Images X-rays Echo & Ultrasound CT Images MRI
Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov
US National Guidelines Clearinghouse
NICE Guidance
FDA on Bipolar disorder physical examination
CDC on Bipolar disorder physical examination
Bipolar disorder physical examination in the news
Blogs on Bipolar disorder physical examination
Directions to Hospitals Treating Bipolar disorder
Risk calculators and risk factors for Bipolar disorder physical examination

Physical Examination

Bipolar disorder is characterized by periods depression that alternate with periods of mania. Physical examination of patients with bipolar disorder is usually normal. A mental status examination physical examination should assess patients for:

• Major depression for 2 weeks being either a depressed mood or loss of pleasure, and presence of at least five of the following symptoms:
  • Depressed mood
  • Markedly diminished interest in nearly all activities
  • marked weight loss or gain or significant loss or increase in appetite
  • Hypersomnia or insomnia
  • Psychomotor retardation or agitation
  • Loss of energy or fatigue
  • Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt
  • Decreased concentration ability
  • Preoccupation with death or suicide.
• Mania: feature at least 1 week of profound mood disturbance, characterized by elation, irritability, or expansiveness and at least 3 of the diagnostic criteria
  • Grandiosity
  • Diminished need for sleep
  • Excessive talking
  • Racing thoughts
  • Clear evidence of distractibility
  • Increased level of goal-focused activity at home, at work.
  • Excessive pleasurable activities.
• Hypomania characterized by an elevated, or irritable mood of at least 4 consecutive days duration. for diagnosis it require at least three of the symptoms of mania.
• Impulsive or risk-taking behaviors
• Suicidal thoughts and behavior
• Risk factors for suicide attempts and deaths.
• In addition to current symptoms, it is important to ascertain the number, frequency, intensity, and duration of past mood episodes.

Examination using the Mental Status Examination as well as assessment of the following:

• Appearance
• Affect/mood
• Thought content
• Perception
• Suicide/self-destruction
• Homicide/violence/aggression
• Judgment/insight
• Cognition
• Physical health