“Can you self diagnose bipolar disorder in teenagers?”

I would be careful in self diagnoses anything, I have met a lot of patients that were self diagnosed incorrectly, be careful and let the professional diagnoses and just be the parent that guides them to help.
Hope that helps.

No, Bipolar Disorder is a complicated disorder that takes an expert to diagnose accurately. He needs to be evaluated by a child psychiatrist, preferably board certified in child psychiatry. If you question the diagnosis for/against Bipolar Disorder, you can get a second opinion.

Generally, to have a formal diagnosis in regards to anyone who would pay for it requires it be done by a physician. For some, another level of professional is accepted. Anyone can read the DMS5 (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519712/table/ch3.t8/) and decide if they meet those criteria. There are many things that can help people who have the symptoms of bipolar disorder to help get your life balanced in a way that can help you in many important ways:

www.helpguide.org › articles › living-with-bipolar-di
<https://www.helpguide.org/articles/bipolar-disorder/living-with-bipolar-disorder.htm#:~:text=Build%20structure%20into%20your%20life,through%20emotional%20ups%20and%20downs.>

There are dietary choices that can really help with overall balance: https://www.webmd.com/bipolar-disorder/guide/bipolar-diet-foods-to-avoid#4.

If you are struggling with your functioning, then a good psychiatric evaluation is indicated. Really any academic center would be a good choice. Your PCP may have a good referral recommendation and a good physical exam is indicated as well.

Thank you for your question at FADT. So, the typical symptoms of bipolar disorder is at least a week-long duration of no need or less need for sleep, and very significant changes in attitude and personality for the same time duration. It is commonly confused with "moment to moment" changes in anger levels, or with sudden "snapping out in anger" which typically is not bipolar disorder but maybe more likely close to traumatic experience, attention deficit, or other disorders. The general advise is seek the professional opinion of a specialist for definite diagnosis. I hope this helps. Thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD

No - this takes a full evaluation by a trained Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist; there are many underlying causes of symptoms that can mimic Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder can be difficult to diagnose. The hypomanic phase is pleasurable and most patients do not report them. They are much more aware of the depressive phases. It is very important to differentiate bipolar depression from unipolar depression Antidepressants in the former can cause a switch from depression to mania which can be disastrous. Most cases of
bipolar disorder are diagnosed 10 years from initial presentation It can be a tricky diagnosis to make.
Hope that this answers your question.