Bipolar disorder other diagnostic studies

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Nuha Al-Howthi, MD[2]

Other diagnostic studies for bipolar disorder include Electroencephalography, which should be done only to rule out seizure disorder and brain tumor, or helpful during ECT, and while the patients on medications like antidepressants or lithium.

electroencephalography (EEG) is unnecessary in the evaluation of bipolar disorder. However, some reasons for ordering EEG in patients with bipolar illness may be appropriate and include the following:^[1]

• To rule out a seizure disorder and brain tumor.
• EEG may be helpful during ECT is used to determine the occurrence and duration of seizure.
• Some patients may have seizures when on medications, especially antidepressants; in addition, lithium can cause diffuse slowing throughout the brain.^[2]