I do have problems with panic and anxiety, but I am also diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, so I don't know how much of it is the bipolar.

As for what to expect, as far as medications it may take awhile to find the right combination for you. I suggest keeping a notebook with all medications, dosage, date started/stopped, side effects and why they were adjusted or stopped. I wish I had done this because it's been so many years of different meds that I can't remember what I've been on and what the side effects were so it's hard if I have to switch to a new doctor and I can't remember what didn't work.

I also suggest keeping a mood diary; there are several online but most only give you one option for your mood and anxiety for the day, so I keep my own since my mood and anxiety can fluctuate a lot. I track my mood and anxiety 3 times a day, and track sleep, meds, energy level, etc. This is also something I wish I had started sooner; it has been a great help to me and I notice much sooner if my mood swings are getting more severe and I can get in right away for a med adjustment.

As for what to expect as far as therapy, it really depends on what your individual issues are and what your doctor and therapist think will help the most.

One of the most important things is to be totally honest about any and all symptoms and side effects of meds.

Best of luck to you, and feel free to post questions or vent or whatever here; everyone has been very nice to me