How do you get the diagnosis bipolar?

Posted , 8 users are following.

The last couple of years I've been acting weird and I think I might be bipolar. How do you get checked, do you just go to the doctor or straight to a psychiatrist? 

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    Start with your dr. Let them know your symptoms and be honest. They will then either start you on meds to help ir send u to a psychiatrist
  • Posted

    Make an appointment with your GP

    He will arrange Treatment Pathways and see what is going on.

    What are your reasons to think you are BI Polar.

    BOB

  • Posted

    Hi for me im bipolar type ll and to be honest it took long time to be diagnosed . Yes i think you go to dr they will refer you on to physchiatrist but excpect to wait . Hope all goes ok . Sam
  • Posted

    Goto a Dr who will send you to a psychiatrist if they deem it likely. Word of warning, don't tell the GP you think you have bipolar, and certainly not a psychiatrist. They do not appreciate being told that you've self diagnosed

  • Posted

    Most people with bipolar don't even realise that they are . I wouldn't advise self diagnosing. You need to see your GP and take it from there. I have bipolar and it took 6 years for a full diagnosis .

    • Posted

      Yes i agree bipolar people usually have friends or family members that raise concerns first over your behaviour your moods etc . Dont go drs telling him what you think is wrong. Be good idea if you have close friend or family who can support you honestly and get your concerns accross to dr .
  • Posted

    Hi Gretharoll, I'm going through something similar, please could I ask you what your symptoms are? 

  • Posted

    I would go straight to a psychiatrist.

    Prior to the appointment I would write down what symptoms I am experiencing.

    Mine were...not sleeping at night but having plenty of energy and not feeling tired.

    A million things going on in my mind all at once.

    Not being able to stay with one task...

    Anger outbursts at family and strangers in local shops

    Talking extremely fast and talking over other people always

    Unable to focus on what anyone says to me

    Feeling paranoid

    Overly concerned about how I look

    Gave a history of my employment and how I would blurt out inappropriate things.

    In ONE session...they told me I was bipolar. And it is especially likely that you have bipolar if a sibling or family member has been diagnosed with it.

    I agree with the person who said not to tell the Dr. YOU think you have bipolar..stick to describing the symptoms and your daily feelings and they will figure it out.

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