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:

●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.