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comicgeek007 · Jun 04, 2013, 06:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ultramar

I'm surprised your T is giving you some sort of bipolar test to take --it's really usually pdocs who do this sort of diagnostics -in theory, anyway, therapists aren't really qualified to. In any case, I think your best bet is your regular psychiatrist, I think it takes more of an evaluation for a definitive diagnosis than a written test (I don't think it is relied on on its own), on the other hand, it is something you will be able to take to your regular pdoc to help him with the diagnosis.

In my opinion it will be important for diagnosis for you to either stay on your meds for some time (or off, but it sounds like you're much better on), because otherwise, some if not many symptoms you will be having will be due to withdrawals from meds and I think that would confuse things.

I think it would be helpful to keep a mood journal. How you're feeling, how long those emotions last, and what precipitates them (whether an event, an interaction with someone, stress, meds withdrawal or new med on board, etc.), that should help things along.

From your diagnosis (I assume from your regular pdoc) it sounds like he/she is keeping their options open until they know you better. Of course it completely depends on the situation, but I tend to see that as a good sign, I think it takes time to make such a diagnosis, it seems to be a difficult one to make.

I'm glad your temp T is supportive.

He's a really personable guy and he wants to try to rule out things. I think he's actually a psychologist, so although not able to prescribe meds, better than a licensed social worker. But yeah. I think it'll take a long time to make a definitive dx.