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Tests and diagnosis
By Mayo Clinic staffTo help pinpoint a diagnosis for your symptoms, you'll likely have several exams and tests. Your doctor or other health care provider must determine if you have cyclothymia, bipolar disorder, depression or another condition that may be causing your symptoms.
These exams and tests generally include:
- Physical exam. This may include measuring height and weight; checking vital signs, such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature; listening to your heart and lungs; and examining your abdomen.
- Laboratory tests. These may include a complete blood count (CBC) as well as thyroid tests and other blood tests. You may also have a urinalysis or tests for drug and alcohol use.
- Psychological evaluation. A doctor or mental health provider will talk to you about your thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns. You may also fill out psychological self-assessments and questionnaires. You may be asked about substance or alcohol abuse. And with your permission, family members or close friends may be asked to provide information about your symptoms and possible episodes of mania or depression.
Diagnostic criteria for cyclothymic disorder
To be diagnosed with cyclothymic disorder, you must meet the criteria spelled out in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). This manual is published by the American Psychiatric Association and is used by mental health providers to diagnose mental conditions and by insurance companies to reimburse for treatment.
Diagnostic criteria for cyclothymia include:
- You've had numerous periods of elevated mood (hypomania) and numerous periods of depressive symptoms for at least two years
- Your periods of stable moods usually last less than two months
- You don't have manic episodes, major depression or schizoaffective disorder
- Your symptoms aren't caused by substance abuse or a medical condition
- Your symptoms significantly affect you socially, at work, at school or in other important functions
- Cyclothymic disorder. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Feb. 4, 2010.
- Stovall J. Bipolar disorder: Epidemiology and diagnosis. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2010.
- Joska JA, et al. Phenomenology of mood disorders. In: Hales RE, et al., eds. The American Psychiatric Publishing Textbook of Psychiatry. 5th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2008. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Feb. 4, 2010.
- Muzina DJ. Bipolar spectrum disorder: Differential diagnosis and treatment. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice. 2007;34:521.
- Stovall J. Bipolar disorder: Treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Feb. 4, 2010.
- Mischoulon D. Update and critique of natural remedies as antidepressant treatments. Obstetrics & Gynecology Clinics of North America. 2009;36:789.
- Hall-Flavin, DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 5, 2010.
- Frye MA (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Feb. 9, 2010
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