What does a bipolar diagnosis involve?

Question

I have been diagnosed bipolar in the past, but it is always after less than a hour of the doctor meeting me... more like 15 minutes. I do not feel that the bipolar diagnosis is a properly fitting diagnosis for my situation.
Isn't there more involved when making a diagnosis, rather than 15 minutes?

"I have been diagnosed bipolar in the past, but it is always after less than a hour of the doctor meeting me... more like 15 minutes. I do not feel that the bipolar diagnosis is a properly fitting diagnosis for my situation.
Isn't there more involved when making a diagnosis, rather than 15 minutes?"

I am adding some details - not sure if it was going to erase my original details. Sorry if this repeats itself....
I have seen one psychologists before that diagnosed me, after several weeks of talking to her, with long term mild depression.
The reason why I do not feel bipolar is a proper diagnosis is because my only "swings" are into a depressed state.

Answer 1

the doctor can only go off 1. what your state of mind is at the time he meets you and 2. what you tell him about your past history. If at anytime you feel that the diagnoses is wrong you are best to seek a second opinion. but if then the second one says the same you need to learn to except what they say. Don't forget there is a few different kinds of bipolar. and you can have bipolar ll and only have hyper-mania and not full blown mania. take care good luck

Answer 2

Bipolar is not an easy diagnosis to make because at times there are other mental disorders that are similar to bipolar. Here is the key to the diagnosis. Draw a line about two inches long. Mark the right side of the line as Depression. Mark the center of the line as Normal. Mark the left side of the line as Hyper (manic is the technical term). A person with bipolar disorder will generally swing from right through center to the left. The symptoms are easy enough to define. When a person is depressed the person is sluggish, sad, moody, tearful or crying, listless, sleeps a lot, cannot perform even simple tasks, etc.
When a person is normal...well that is obvious. When a person is hyper then the person can talk rapidly, wear outlandish clothing, can run hither and yonder without knowing which way they were going, walk in the snow without shoes, wind up in strange places, stay up all night and not feel tired, want to do things that they do not do ordinarily, etc.
There are meds that can prevent these extreme swings and keep a person more or less in the center. Only a trained psychiatrist (not a family doctor) should prescribe these to the patient.

Answer 3

The link below will take you to free online professional self tests that are exactly the same as a psychiatrist would administer. Do a couple nd see what you think. Bipolar is very difficult to diagnose and "mania" often does not fit the stereotype picture we have of it - it can show in dozens of different ways. Good luck.

Answer 4

Bipolar disorders are currently divided into 4 entities: bipolar I, bipolar II, cyclothymic disorder, and bipolar disorder not otherwise specified.
A bipolar disorder diagnosis is made only by taking careful note of symptoms, including their severity, length, and frequency. The most telling symptoms of bipolar disorder include severe mood swings (going from extreme highs to extreme lows) that don't follow a set pattern.
The psychiatrist will ask questions about personal and family history of mental illness. The doctor will also ask detailed questions about symptoms, including how long they last and how frequently they occur. Other questions will focus on reasoning, memory, ability to express oneself, and ability to maintain relationships.
Blood and urine tests may be done to rule out other causes of symptoms. Blood tests also include a check of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level, since depression is sometimes linked to thyroid function.

Answer 5

Yes, you are definitely right. 15 minutes is ridiculous. A proper diagnosis takes much longer than 15 minutes!

Get another opinion from a reputable doctor. Ask questions too while you are being examined and tested.

You want to be told the reasons for their diagnosis. And then, how to treat it.

Answer 6

A mental illness diagnosis is made by observing the patient and asking what kind of symptoms they have. Psychiatrists and other medical doctors do tend to make diagnoses rather quickly.

Why do you think it is not accurate? It would be a good idea to discuss this with your doctor.

Answer 7

Have you ever had a manic episode? You could just be in a state of major depressive episode. If you don't feel comfortable with your diagnosis, remember you always have the option of getting another opinion. This is good that you are concerned about your mental health so go ahead, exercise your option.

Answer 8

I didn't go through a typical evaluation when I was diagnosed for bi-polar, but I did for my depression and I would imagine that the procedure would be similar. The most important thing is to be 100% honest. I'd recommend going into the actual appointment alone. It's much easier to open up when there's no one else around. They'll ask you about how you've been feeling, appetite, moods, if anything has changed, normal daily routines, and maybe hereditary possibilities....just be honest and open to ideas.

Answer 9

What type of Dr. did you see?What are your symtoms?A bipolar person (manic depressive)is usually one who's mood changes from very excited or manic to very low or depressed.The amount it varies can differ between people.You can always get another opinion it you feel that the diagnosis is wrong.

Answer 10

Who is the expert here?
Millions of people are bipolar and your doubting the diagnosis may well be part of your problem...afterall that is bipolar thinking. Take your meds.