If you think you have symptoms of bipolar disorder, talk to your doctor. It may be nothing at all. Or, your doctor might refer you to a bipolar specialist, a psychiatrist, or psychopharmacologist, for a second opinion and accurate diagnosis. (A psychopharmacologist is a psychiatrist who is an expert in using medications to treat psychiatric chemical imbalances.) The specialist will talk to you about your symptoms. After a physical exam and patient history, the specialist will rule out other possible causes of depression and mania, such as medications, alcohol, illicit drug use, illnesses such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, or injuries to the central nervous system. Further lab testing may be needed prior to making any psychiatric diagnosis.