The problem with diagnosing bi-polar is that the doc usually only sees the patient in crisis. Usually, that means really depressed. They rarely get to see the manic side because we don't feel a need for docs of any stripe when we are feeling that good. Dr.'s just bring you down. For a psychiatrist to correctly diagnose bp, there has to be evidence of ongoing behaviors and consequences that go with being manic. For instance, the use of really poor judgment when you are an otherwise intelligent person, going on spending sprees you can't afford, affairs, etc. We tend to be erratic when manic. Tell your t about any times you might have had issues as a result of manic behavior. Good luck!