Bipolar type II psychiatrist/ diagnosis question

[Jemma82]

I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this in regards to bipolar diagnosis- I have been seeing a psychologist for 18 months who is sure I have bipolar type II. She suggested I see a psychiatrist and I have since has two appointments with her. In the first appointment she said it definitely sounded like I had bipolar but that she would need to talk to my psychologist and another psychiatrist I had seen first.

I finally saw her again yesterday and she has put me on medication. When I asked her if she was then diagnosing me officially with bipolar ii she answered by saying she "was confident I have bipolar" but that she doesn't know me well enough and hasn't seen me in a hypo manic episode. Is this common? For a psychiatrist to take more than a few sessions to diagnose and perhaps need to see you in hypomania before an offical diagnosis?

It's confusing because in other parts of our conversation like what to say to my brother she says 'say you have bipolar' and when I have said I feel like that's lying she said 'it isn't lying'.

I don't mind waiting for a diagnosis but everyone else I have talked to seems as though they were either diagnosed in the first or second appointment.

im also worried that now I'm on medication I may not have an opportunity for her to see me hypo manic. She said that the label isn't important - just the treatment and while I am happy to wait for her to be sure and happy to take the right medication and move forward I still want to eventually be diagnosed or told I don't have bipolar.

does anyone else feel that although the label doesn't matter it's still important for you to know if you are officially bipolar or not? To me It just helps remove all doubt. Plus I feel like I can't explain my reasons for mood changes to ppl, or research illness or learn about it without official diagnosis.

anyways any thoughts would be much appreciated

[white knight]

Hi jemma welcome

In a 003 I was incorrectly diagnosed with bipolar and ADHD. For 6 years I saw that psychiatrist.

Finally I saw another psychiatrist for 2 hours and he diagnosed me with bipolar 2. From my improvement with the correct medication I believe bipolar 2 was and is correct.

To get a second opinion is crutial in your situation where there is any doubt.

Tony WK

[Jemma82]

Thank you so much for your response Tony!

I have thought about about this myself but I feel worried doing it as my psychiatrist already thinks I have Dr hopped (I saw a well known psychiatrist for an opinion and he said he was more than certain I had bp2) and she (my current psychiatrist) was unhappy I saw him before my first appointment with her.

Im feeling a bit sensitive about making a wrong move and for now maybe I should stick with her as started medication that she is monitoring. However I will keep your advice in mind. I'll see how things go next appointment and make a decision then.

then again- do you think that if this medication works for me that's good enough or do you think an offical diagnosis is important?

thanks again

[Kazzl]

Hi Jemma, welcome. I understand your need to have an official diagnosis. I've just been through the same. I've thought for quite a while that I'm bipolar but didn't want to face it or accept it, until it got to the point where I had to. My GP made the 'official' diagnosis and will prescribe medication (haven't started yet). She also wants me to see a psychiatrist.

I have a MH practitioner friend who feels 'labels' are not that important, it's all part of a spectrum etc. I take the point, but as I said to them - I'm the one who's got something and now I've decided to face it, I want to know what 'it' is.

As for your psych's comment that she hasn't seen you hypomanic, well unlike medical appointments, hypomanic episodes are not something we can schedule are they! My GP was happy to accept my description of what happens, with a few well-placed questions.

I'm glad you've started medication Jemma - and I hope it really works for you hun. I wish you well. xx

Kaz

[white knight]

Hi Jemma

In your situation (if I was you), I'd stick with your professionals you have.

Knowing what I know about my own situation I wouldn't GI 6 years sticking with the one psychiatrist when the medication wasn't working at all. 6 or 12 months would have been my limit.

Regardless of my experience I personally have a great deal of respect for psychiatrists. But if it all seems pear shaped by all means exercise your right to another opinion.

Tony WK

[Jemma82]

Tony- once again thank you.

Kaz- I also appreciate your feedback. I am feeling a lot better about it all now I have had a couple days to think about it and kinda settle down .

I will stick with my professionals at the moment as they have been quite supportive since my appointment.

I think for now I'm content to let go of the need for an 'official' diagnosis and take my 3 'more than confident' professional opinions and continue with my medication and just hope for more stable moods.

thanks again guys