Diagnosing bipolar disorder involves a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional. The process typically begins with a clinical interview, where the clinician gathers a comprehensive history of the individual’s mood changes, behaviors, and overall functioning, including the duration and severity of episodes. Patients may be asked to keep a mood diary to track fluctuations, sleep patterns, and potential triggers over time. Standardized assessments, including questionnaires or rating scales, are often used to evaluate symptoms and their impact on daily life. It’s essential to rule out other conditions, such as major depressive disorder or anxiety disorders, to ensure an accurate diagnosis. Finally, the findings are compared against the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) criteria to confirm the diagnosis.