A bio-tech company in California says if you spit into a cup, and put it in the mail... you can find out whether you have a higher genetic risk for a devastating mental illness.

George Zugsmith is one of nearly 6 million Americans who suffer from bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression.

Ever since the start of psychology, those like Zugsmith who suffer from mental illness have been diagnosed "subjectively" by professionals based on their symptoms. Now a startup biotechnology company in San Diego says it's developed an "objective" barometer - what it calls the first ever genetic test for bipolar disorder.

For $400.00, psynomics analyzes a saliva sample to determine if you have the gene mutations that the company's chief scientist, Dr. John Kelsoe has identified as putting you at up to 300% higher risk for bipolar disorder. The result is sent to your doctor.

But the bipolar gene test is causing alarm among many scientists who describe it as a waste of money at best, irresponsible and misleading at worst.

Dr. Carrie Bearden echoes what many in the field say: the evidence is just not there to tie bipolar disorder to a few genetic mutations.

The test's founders say they're working on refining their product. But even their critics acknowledge. The concept of genetic testing is here to stay. And it'll only be a matter of time before more tests like these hit the market.