Thyroid tests should be performed in patients with suspected bipolar disorder to rule out hyperthyroidism (mania) and hypothyroidism (depression). Treatment with lithium can cause hypothyroidism, and hypothyroidism may cause rapid cycling of mood, especially in women.
Although not a routine screening test in bipolar disorder and unnecessary in patients with normal liver function test results, urine copper level testing may be performed to rule out Wilson disease, which produces mental changes. Wilson disease is a rare condition that is easily missed.
PT and PTT are commonly used to evaluate coagulation disorders and are not a routine part of the workup for bipolar disorder. Uric acid testing is often used to monitor patients on chemotherapy or radiation treatment and is not a routine part of a bipolar disease workup.
For more on the workup of bipolar disorder, read here.
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Cite this: Fast Five Quiz: Are You Prepared to See Patients With Bipolar Disorder? - Medscape - Jun 22, 2018.
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