How do you go about being diagnosed for bi-polar, medically?

Answer 1

You see a doctor.

Answer 2

Well, I'm assuming you're not shopping for a diagnosis, because that would be a mistake (bipolar is a pretty awful problem, and there are powerful drugs that you have to take all your life, so you don't want to bias what you tell the doc so that you get a mis-diagnosis!!!)

You go to a psychiatrist, and they will ask you a lot of questions, and try and figure out what is wrong based on what you say. It's kind of tough to diagnose the mental illnesses, because there is so much overlap between the symptoms (really, the mental illness categories are just working definitions, probably those categories will be revised as more is learned). What they will do is prescribe medications that target your symptoms, so it doesn't really matter that much what your diagnosis is unless you are applying for disability or something.

All the best to you!

Answer 3

go to a psychiatrist, thats the Doctor (for meds and diagnosis)----not just a counselor or therapist---talk w/ them, only they can officially diagnose someone, and prescribe meds. sounds like u've diagnosed ur self though-and, that could get tricky........i definitly encourage u to seek help if u need it, but not if u want attention or whatever like some---& request lamectol---over lithium, its "the new lithium"--and bi-polar is life long, so u want medications w/ the fewest LONG TERM side effects as possible-------hope i helped---and i truly wish u luck w/ getting the help u need, also, try not to be disappointed if u arn't diagnosed---or diagnosed w/ something else........its really not that fun---but, w/ the right meds, therapist, and i also recommend some sort of group therapy..... things will improve. ALSO seek a therapist/psychologist----weekly therapy is essential for a true success at having a more effective and livable life. :)

Answer 4

i find it unusual that you would be asking this question for yourself and if you are that would make me question if you are truly bi-polar.
Bi-polar (manic depression) is usually an illness picked up by people around you and they are the ones that have to somehow persuade you to see a doctor. It can often take more than one visit as it may take the doctor a while to see what the family sees.
Medication is usually prescribed and when this happens over time the patient is often able to see their behaviour for what it is.
It is vital that if you or your family member is diagnosed with bipolar that they see their health professional regularly for checkups

Answer 5

It sounds like you're trying to fake it.

I wouldn't if I were you - nobody sings the
praises of Lithium, one of the most commonly
prescribed drugs for bi-polar. There are lots
of bi-polars would prefer the depression than
the side-effects of Lithium.

Answer 6

If you don't have a regular mental health professional that you see, a family or internal medicine doctor will have enough training to at least be able to refer you to a psychiatrist or other mental health professional.

Answer 7

you, need to see a doctor, trained in ares. When you, call ask them, or when you go in for app. tell the doctor the symptons, if they know what they are doing, one of the first meds they will most likley put you on would be depakote

Answer 8

Im not real sure. I don't believe you come to yahoo answers to get diagnosed first. If I am wrong then I will diagnose you. If you need me to do it please feel free to send me an email.