Evaluating Bipolar Disorder—Symptom Assessment, Differential Diagnosis, and Diagnostic Considerations
Description
Evaluating Bipolar Disorder: Symptom Assessment, Differential Diagnosis, and Diagnostic Considerations provides an overview of the assessment and diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The course reviews DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, and other specified and unspecified bipolar and related disorders through case examples, while also addressing the unique challenges of diagnosing bipolar disorder in pediatric and adolescent populations. Additional lessons focus on differentiating bipolar disorder from other psychiatric conditions with overlapping presentations and offer practical diagnostic considerations and clinical pearls that extend beyond DSM criteria. The course concludes with an introduction to mood charting as a tool to support symptom monitoring, diagnostic clarification, and evaluation of treatment response. Across lessons, the course highlights clinically relevant strategies for improving diagnostic accuracy, supporting assessment, and informing effective, evidence-based treatment planning.
Learning Objectives
- Recognize and identify the symptoms of bipolar disorder in adult and pediatric populations and how they overlap and differ.
- Identify key diagnostic features that differentiate bipolar disorder from commonly misdiagnosed disorders.
- Determine how mood charting can be beneficial to both the patient and provider.
Overview of Lessons
The course is organized into five lessons. Each lesson includes an introduction, video instruction, checks for understanding, and additional resources.
Lesson 1: Bipolar Disorder Overview and DSM-5 Diagnosis—We provide an overview of bipolar disorder and a review of DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for bipolar I, bipolar II, and Other Specified/Unspecified Bipolar Disorders using case examples. (25 minutes)
Lesson 2: Diagnosing Bipolar Disorders in Children and Adolescents—We discuss the diagnosis of bipolar disorder in pediatric and adolescent populations, including challenges in identifying the disorder in youth. (16 minutes)
Lesson 3: Additional Diagnostic Considerations and Clinical Pearls—We detail how clinicians can differentiate bipolar disorder from other psychiatric conditions that may present with similar symptoms. (17 minutes)
Lesson 4: Differential Diagnosis—We share diagnostic tips and clinical pearls beyond the DSM that may be helpful when establishing the diagnosis. (25 minutes)
Lesson 5: Mood Charting for Providers—We describe the important activity of mood charting and how it can be helpful for both the patient and the provider in assessing symptoms and treatment response. (14 minutes)
Presenters
Christopher Schneck, MD, DFAPA
Professor of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine; Marsico Endowed Chair for Excellence; Executive Director/Medical Director, Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center; Medical Director, CU Medicine Bipolar Clinic
Aimee Sullivan, PhD
Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Colorado Anschutz School of Medicine; Clinical Director, CU STEADY Program; FAMILY Team, Helen and Arthur E. Johnson Depression Center
Continuing Education Credit Option
(APA APPROVAL Language to be added) Completion of the course = 1 CE credit
To earn 1 CE credit for this course, you must complete all of the video lessons, interactions, and the final assessment in this course. A score of 75% or higher on the final assessment is required to receive CE credit. The assessment may be taken up to four times.
