How easy is it to identify bipolar disorder?

Matt asked:


I was watching a program on tv discussing how much this disorder gets misdiagnosed and was curious about it. How hard is it for someone to tell the difference between “normal” depression and bipolar? Also, how can someone identify a person as being bipolar and not just going through the typical highs and lows of adult life? How often does this get confused with a mid-life crisis or typical teen/young adult problems?
bobblehead, it wasn’t a question about me, but i appreciate your concern. i was just wondering in general how hard it is to identify since the symptoms seem so vague.

Jason