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.
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:[1]
- Major depression
- Mania
- Hypomania
- 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
References
- ↑ Work Group on Psychiatric Evaluation. American Psychiatric Association Steering Committee on Practice Guidlines (2006). "Psychiatric evaluation of adults. Second edition. American Psychiatric Association". Am J Psychiatry. 163 (6 Suppl): 3–36. PMID 16866240.