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allabout said:
I have read up on it a little, but are there other tests that detect Bipolar - more than talking and asking questions? Isn't one of aspect of the illness an ability to manipulate and say the right thing to get the intended outcome?

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Yes, in fact that's very typical of a lot of mental illnesses, which is why they can be difficult to diagnose. A good therapist has specific training to pierce the facade and get to the truth, but it's still hard given the limited time with their clients.

That's why your observations are so important. You've watched your husband's behaviors for hours every day for years. You've been in the best position to see his true self behind the mask. You may not have the training, but there's two things you can do: you can document what you feel are unusual and noteworthy behaviors that you've noticed and go to a therapist yourself to try to get a second-hand opinion, or you can do a bunch of reading yourself and try to become your own mini-expert. Unfortunately there's no other way that I know of to test for bipolar disorder or most other mental illnesses - it's all about trying to fit observed symptoms into a category that provides the best explanation.