Can anyone help me understand issue with diagnosis? So confused

[Jemma82]

Hi,

Jemma here, I'm new to the forum. Quick intro- been struggling with mood swings for years and seeing a psychologist for 18 months who suggested Bipolar type 2 and asked me to egt a referral to a psychiatrist for diagnosis.

As my appointment is not for over a month, my GP also referred me to a professor as a well known clinic for an opinion. I had this 1.45 hr session this morning where he told me that bipolar type 2 is very difficult to diagnose, you cannot take a bloodtest and hypomania is much less obvious than mania, however he was confident that I have bipolar type 2, said he was 70% sure and has recommended I begin on a mood stabliliser and start seeing a regular psychiatrist.

however, im confused about only being 70% sure. What does tis mean exactly, do I have it or not? I asked him this and he said people often say their diagnosed with it but really you can never be 100% certain. I kmow it is not important to have the label, but to me it kind of was as it would be a relief to me knowing/understanding what is actually wrong with me.

So is it true you never really get an aboslute diagnosis? Or is 70% a diagnosis? Im confised as he said it was a lot to take on, big day for me to hear this news etc. but the he's only 70% sure!?

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Gruffudd]

Hi there Jemma,

From what I have learned it is super complicated to make the diagnosis around bipolar 2 and often for people it takes a long time to settle on it. So I think it is worth following through on the psychiatrist appointment and keep on exploring what it all means for you.

Whatever the diagnosis I think remembering to do the little things and caring for yourself is worth keeping as a priority, there are always things you can do that make life that bit better.

Rob.

[Guest_2350]

Hi Jemma,

I am not sure about the percentages mentioned, but I've just been diagnosed with bipolar too. I am seeing a second psychiatrist for confirmation as I find it quite a strong diagnosis and a big impact on my life. I am on various medication now but so far stayed clear of the mood stabilisers until I get confirmation from the second psych. It's not always easy on the meds I am on but so far I have been able to get through the rough patches.

I also spend time researching and learning about the condition and there is a book called The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide from Miklowitz that I read and found very helpful - helpful as well as I can actually understand some of the cycles I have gone through all my life. It made me understand the condition better and it explains diagnosis, medication etc in detail.

Take care, Yggy

[Jemma82]

Thanks for the reply Rob. It's really supportive to ask a question and have people reply. I appreciate it. It's also good to be reminded by someone other than yourself to keep looking after yourself. So thanks

[Jemma82]

Yggy- thank you so much for your reply. Also, thank you for recommending a book- I was just looking last night and had no idea which one to choose.

I think your idea of holding off on mood stabiliser medication until you get a second opinion is kinda my thinking also. It's all just a bit full on so suddenly hey. I intend to see the second paychiatrist on Tuesday and see what she says before making any decisions. I suppose, after Next weeks appointment I would have had the advice of my psychologist, GP, psychiatrist that specialises in BP and this second Psychiatrist.

I too have spent a lot of time researching the condition (when in moods that classify as hypo mania- I can easily do this for hours completely fixated) but at the moment just trying to take some breathing space.

I hope everything goes well for you in your second opinion- I often tell myself a diagnosis is just a label we have already been dealing with the issues of it. Hopefully it can only get better with knowledge?

All the best

[Cee92]

I have major depressive disorder and have some anxiety. I have discussed bipolar type 2 with my psychiatrist and she said that it is hard to diagnose and it usually will take a few years before a diagnosis is made. However, it is my understanding that a lot of mood stabilisers used for depression can be effective for both disorders. I imagine your psych used '70%' to just mean that it sounds like you might have that, but it's too early to say. He might need to know you better first and understand your condition better.

[Jemma82]

Thanks Cee92- I totally understand where psychiatrists are coming from in terms of not wanting to diagnose too quickly.

I ended up going to my new psychiatrist this week and explained how il'd been given this 70% opinion by another psychiatrist. My new psychiatrist said it was an 'odd' thing for him to say but then at the end of my session said she could understand why he said 70%.....as I have a long history of anxiety she said it makes it unclear at this point if it is anxiety producing bp2 like behaviours or is in fact bp2.

Anyways, she said as I have a solid mood diary (as does my husband), my husband as eye witness as well as seeing a psychologist for 18 months (and this second opinion of another psychiatrist) she is confident she will be able to say if I have bp2 or not next session - and that she just needs to talk to my psychologist and the other psychiatrist I saw first.

can I ask- have you got eye witnesses or seen a psychologist for period of time and your psychiatrist still thinks it takes years to diagnose? Or? It worries me a little that I may be diagnosed so quickly.

anyway, I really appreciate your response!

Take care

[Tien]

Hi ladies,

I reckon you can try other psychologist. My bestie was never aware that we can test something from blood until I took him to the new place. if something does not make any progress, highly recommend to change. non of the specialist told me my girl is autistic, I always know something is not normal. She finally had her formal diagnosis, and yes, autistic. How lucky we are to support her from early day, she improves so much, even got "student of the week" recently ! So keep searching for the right one and the right treatment!!!

Cheers,