Bipolar tests online - A Warning

A warning about doing online tests on personality or mental health issues such as Bi-Polar Disorder or Depression.

This type of self-testing can be harmful for several reasons.  Of course, many people who complete a yes/no type of questionnaire, may, without realising it, be putting down the answers that they think should be given.  If the online test appears on a website that has no identified owner or organisation, it should be viewed as suspect.  If the test is carried out when the person is under stress or in a very low mood, the answer level may differ from what would be given on other occasions.

I have recently researched an online Bi-Polar test.  This came out at the top of the google search results for 'Bi-Polar Disorder'.  Inputting the answers from someone diagnosed with Bi-Polar on two separate occasions resulted in a pop-up box (don't we hate them) noting No Disorder.  The 12 points were all listed as 'incorrect'.  When the mouse was hovered over the box, an answer appeared which was not one that had been given.  The actual answers had ranged from 'moderately', to 'quite a lot' and 'very much' but the site recorded answers at the opposite end of the spectrum such as 'just a little'.  One possible cause for these results may be that the test only provides valid answers if the user is logged in.  There was no named owner of the site or facility to 'contact us'.

What this site was very good at was providing pop-up boxes which were trying to sell you something, either a sleep remedy or a way to make more money out of your retirement.  Both these adverts should not have appeared on a website dealing with Bi-Polar Disorder as poor sleeping patterns should be dealt with by the patient's doctor or psychiatrist.  Also, one of the symptoms of Bi Polar is that, when on a high ie in a manic phase, sufferers are easily persuaded to sign up to costly schemes or buy memberships or items that they do not need.  Going on a spending spree is a typical behaviour observed in sufferers.

It is worrying that many people will be researching mental health issues when they are at their most vulnerable.  The content of this website is not written well.

Try instead researching on NHS Direct or even web-MD.

The advice has to be NOT to sign up to anything which involves financial input without consulting family and close friends who can give you impartial advice based on their knowledge of your behaviour patterns. One writer has referred to the Rule of Three which means that, for any large expenditure, the Bi Polar patient should obtain the agreement of two other people.

It is possible to get accurate information about Bi Polar Disorder or other mental health conditions such as Depression from good medical websites. So DO take care when you are researching your condition.
A good website is the one set up by Ruby Wax in conjunction with SANE the mental health charity. It is in its infancy but some forums are being set up where those with a mental health condition can ask and answer questions.
www.blackdogtribe.com
A good source of information is from dedicated organisations such as

MDF The Bipolar Organisation
www.mdf.org.uk
0845 6 340 540

The Samaritans
www.samaritans.co.uk
08457 909090

I will be exploring other websites to check the information being given and will add to this page as I do so.

Emotional Freedom Technique

<><><><><><> <><><><><><>

EFT - Emotional Freedom Technique This is taken from the website of  Christine Bosley-Collins, AET,BCMA, Reiki Master who is an experienced Energy therapist offering holistic treatments in Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), Dowsing for Health and Answers, Mediumship Dowsing, Dowsing tuition, Allergies/Intolerances and their Remedies, Reiki, Chakra Balancing/Aura work.  She is based in Swanage and has worked with EFT in Performing Arts, Media, Public Speaking, Sports Performance, Motivation, Personal Development and Stress Management. Christine trained for three years with Stephen Coburn BEM EFT - ADV. MBCMA.DS Dip Vib Med, who was originally trained in the USA by the founder of EFT Gary Craig. EFT often works where nothing else will and has a high success rate. It helps cure innumerable problems such as: Stress anxiety, trauma, panic attacks Fears and Phobias - examples, fear of dentist, flying, heights Addictions - examples, smoking, chocolate, over eating, anorexia, bulimia Pain management, IBS, anger management Headaches, Tension, PMS, Relationship pain and conflict It is an incredible tool for self help with: Confidence and self esteem issues Self empowerment Spiritual blocks Motivation Confidence Self belief Weight loss Stopping Smoking EFT works on the premise that 'The cause of all negative emotions is a disruption in the body's energy system'. EFT really makes a difference and the healing benefits are amazing. EFT is like an emotional form of acupuncture but without the needles! It is powerful but gentle and often works where all other treatments have failed. It does not rely on a belief system and will work on anyone, including babies. It is common for clients to experience rapid relief from pain in less than half an hour and emotional problems such as anxiety are often fully relieved in just one session. If you have a problem that is personal or private then EFT is perfect for you. I can help without needing to know what the problem is. See her website on  http://www.facebook.com/l/UAQH555r3AQH4V_qmW9ar1f2Z3NrNosSqpoWuOI4etHm19A/www.soulhealing.me.uk

Soul Healing - Dorset | Website Design in Poole, Dorset by