A brain scan can’t detect bipolar disorder. Mental health professionals typically use diagnostic interviews. Brain scans are still important for bipolar disorder research.

MRI and CT scans can provide detailed images of the brain and its structures. But currently, doctors don’t use them to diagnose bipolar disorder.

A mental health professional typically performs a diagnostic interview to provide a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. But brain scans still have several other functions.

Although brain scans aren’t used for bipolar disorder diagnoses, they serve other purposes.

Diagnosis of other conditions

According to the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, some conditions may cause symptoms similar to bipolar disorder, such as:

Visit the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)Trusted Source to become involved in a bipolar disorder study if any are recruiting participants.

Bipolar disorder research

People who undergo brain scans related to bipolar disorder typically do so for research purposes rather than for diagnosing the disorder.

Brain scans can show:

  • which structures are involved in brain conditions
  • differences in brain function between people with and without mental health conditions

Experts think there may be an association between the activation of certain areas or structures in your brain and bipolar disorder, according to a 2023 research review.

However, specific results are inconsistent. A 2019 study suggests that over 6 years, the cortical thickness (the outer layer of your brain) of those with bipolar disorder increasedTrusted Source.

In contrast, a 2021 imaging study of cortical thinning in the brains of people with bipolar disorder found it thinned less or not at all over time compared to participants without bipolar disorder.

Learning about the amygdala

Your amygdala, a certain part of your brain, processes emotions. It may also respond differently depending on whether you have bipolar disorder or depression.

In those living with bipolar disorder, a small 2019 study suggests the left side of the amygdala is less active and less connected with other areas of the brain, such as during facial emotion processing activities.

But this may not be true for those also living with depression.

About 60% of people who live with bipolar disorder are initially misdiagnosed with major depressive disorder. Experts hope imaging scans may eventually help tell the two conditions apart. But more research is needed first.

To diagnose bipolar disorder, a psychologist or other mental health professional may do a physical exam or order lab tests.

These tests may help rule out another medical condition that may be causing your symptoms. They’ll also ask you questions to learn more about the symptoms you’re experiencing.

The “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5)” helps professionals evaluate whether you meet the criteria for a mental health condition.

It also helps clinicians distinguish between the different types of bipolar disorder and make the appropriate diagnosis.

Your symptoms may vary depending on your type of bipolar disorder and the severity of mania or depression.

According to the American Psychiatric Association, symptoms of mania may include:

  • less need for sleep
  • increased or faster speech
  • uncontrollable racing thoughts
  • increased activity or potentially harmful behavior, such as:

Hypomanic symptoms are less severe manic symptoms. They don’t cause the disturbances in functioning that manic symptoms do.

Symptoms of a major depressive episode may include:

  • intense sadness or despair
  • loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed
  • feelings of worthlessness or guilt
  • fatigue
  • changes in sleep or appetite
  • difficulty concentrating
  • thoughts of death or suicide

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. While you can’t cure it, you can treat and manage it. Medication and psychotherapy are common elements of treatment.

According to the NIMHTrusted Source, treatment often includes:

  • Mood stabilizers: These medications are most frequently used to help manage bipolar disorder.
  • Second-generation antipsychotics: These medications are also called atypical antipsychotics.
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This therapy, or psychoeducation, may include interpersonal and social rhythm therapy or family therapy.

Other treatments you may find helpful include:

  • Electroconvulsive therapy: This treatment is for severe depressive and manic episodes, especially if medication or therapy isn’t helpful.
  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation: This treatment uses magnetic waves to stimulate your brain, but it’s still being studied for bipolar disorder.

What works for you may not work for another. You may also need to try switching medications before you find the best one for you.

Always talk with your doctor or therapist about any vitamins, medications, and supplements you’re taking. Even “natural” products may interact with medications and cause unwanted side effects.

While brain scans aren’t typically used in diagnosing bipolar disorder, researchers are using them to explore the condition. This can help with future diagnostic processes and potentially with treatment.

Currently, mental health professionals diagnose bipolar disorder through a clinical interview or with other tools. From there, you can work together to develop a treatment plan.

With appropriate treatment, you can effectively manage bipolar disorder.

Connect with us

Explore our Bipolar Disorder hub and sign up for our Bipolar newsletter.