Diagnostic Considerations
The diagnosis of bipolar affective disorder, or manic-depressive illness (MDI), is based on the patient’s history and clinical course.
Other conditions to be considered include the following:
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Epilepsy
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Fahr disease
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Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
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Medications (eg, antidepressants can propel a patient into mania; other medications may include baclofen, bromide, bromocriptine, captopril, cimetidine, corticosteroids, cyclosporine, disulfiram, hydralazine, isoniazid, levodopa, methylphenidate, metrizamide, procarbazine, procyclidine)
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Circadian rhythm desynchronization
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Cyclothymic disorder
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Multiple personality disorder
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Oppositional defiant disorder (in children)
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Substance abuse disorders (eg, with alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, hallucinogens, opiates)
