Thanks for that Eloise. I've googled Cyclothymia and I don't think I have that either.

My friend came round last night and she was absolutely gobsmacked when I told her about the bipolar diagnosis. I have felt quite "hyper" for about 2 weeks now (that I've noticed). The only thing I've done which is supposedly down to my bipolar is spent a bit on Ebay. I'm not talking thousands and thousands though - maybe about £300 over a month and anout half of that was on things my daughter needed. It's hardly reckless behaviour! My friend has spent more than that and nobody has labelled her as bipolar. In fact every woman I know has spending sprees and £300 is a pretty modest amount.

No-one I know thinks that I have this. I know that I'm a bit "quirky" but who isn't? I've spoken to my family, friends, boss and even my ex-husband and none of them have ever noticed anything "odd" about me at all. Surely, if I had bipolar my behaviour would be a problem to them as well. The last instance of depression was when I had the twins 10 years ago and I'm hardly unique in getting post natal depression.

I just really really do not want this label. Apart from the driving (which is quite frankly ridiculous as I drive like an old lady - never ever go above the speed limit or drink drive or anything) I'm worried about the repercussions in other areas - such as social services, health insurance etc.

I would like to challenge this diagnosis but I'm worried that if I "anger" the original shtink he will section me. How would I go about getting a second opinion? What is the process for sectioning someone - is it just down to the judgement of one man?