Bipolar Disorder – Diagnostic Interviewing for Manic Episode

• Have you ever had the opposite of depression, when you’ve been extremely happy, over the top, doing things out of character or talking too fast? (Elevated mood)
• How long did it last for?  (in a borderline construct mood swings will be present over an extended period of time beginning from adolescence and pervading through adulthood)

• During this period did/do you feel especially confident, like you were on top of the world?
• How do/did you see yourself in comparison to others?
• Did/do you feel you had special powers that others didn’t?
• Did/do you feel a special connection with God?
• Do you consider yourself special in any way?
• Do you think God has a special purpose for you here?

• Do you find your thoughts racing?
• Do you find it difficult to keep track of your thoughts?
• Do your thoughts jump from place to place that makes it difficult for you to keep track of them?

• Do you find it hard to stop talking?
• Have your friends/family commented on the way you are talking?
• Have they said that they find it difficult to follow your speech?

• Have you needed much less sleep than usual?
• Do you feel like you can work all day without needing rest/sleep?

• Have you taken on any new activities lately?
• Have you come across any brilliant ideas lately?

• Have you been in trouble with the police or your family lately?
• Have you been doing things that are out of character for you?

• Schizoaffective Disorder – Criteria of Schizophrenia should be present
• Personality Disorder – esp. Borderline Personality Disorder. Both can co-exist
• Substance misuse – High degree of alcohol and drug misuse in Bipolar patients
• ADHD
• Drug-induced and ECT induced Mania

Visit psychinterview.com to learn more about psychiatric interviewing and developing formulation skills.

90+ videos with buzz words and slides for clinically relevant learning.

Read More: 

Bipolar Disorder Management – Guidelines

Unipolar or Bipolar Disorder – What’s all the fuss about?