To reiterate: both doctors who wrote "Manic Depression Illness" concur with the fact
that many psychiatrists are strongly challenged in their endeavor to diagnose a patient's
condition, especially when there are alcohol or other drug abuses. This view was confirmed by my psychiatrist less than 3 months ago.

So, Blue Wave, I would not think that your psychiatrist was oversimplifying anything.
He was making a strong effort to determine that your illness was not caused by alcoholism or other drug use.

Caffeine can make bipolar illness worse, especially in people who have a sensitivity to it, but I have not heard that it interferes with a diagnosis for bipolar illness. I know that it can cause brain damage to people who have a sensitivity to it when they have used it for years.

"Don't use alcohol or caffeine; they make bipolar illness worse" was the first thing my psychiatrist said to me after diagnosing the illness. Now, I've learned that caffeine is bothersome for only those who have a sensitivity to it.

See http://www.DoctorYourself.com/caffeineallergy by Ruth Whalen.