Some of those articles were downright painful to read. I don't want to say it's the new "fad" diagnosis, but sure, perhaps (as one of the articles pointed out) it is only because some pdocs may not do a proper and thorough (hm... not sure if that's the right word or spelling... having some issues today) test before an actual diagnosis. At the same time, even in an "over diagnosis" situation, you're still going to catch people that DO suffer from it on a long term type of basis. AND it is even mentioned that the diagnosis may only be misread as Bipolar. It isn't as if completely healthy people are being handed the diagnosis.

It is unfortunate I think at the same time. It's something that IS a long term and very recurring thing. (At least... for ME personally it is. It's kind of a constant uppy downy kind of situation. It's. Awesome. Sure, I get a couple days here and there. But, I like to tell people that the last time I felt any semblance of "stable" for long periods of time was in 1994... and that's no lie.) Anyway... sidetrack... To rush into a diagnosis leaves more people feeling helpless that it's something they'll have to deal with for their entire lives, which may simply not be the case. I find THAT part to be the most unfortuante thing.

It sort of reminds of the rise in Autism. But with that people are blaming vaccines or non organic food, or whatever else they like to blame. (Don't misunderstand... I prefer to eat organic food... but not because I think pesticides lead to autism.) In the last 10 years the diagnoses of autism has EXPLODED much like Bipolar. But that's only because the spectrum of the disorders have (both) been significantly widened. Is this a bad thing? Who's to say. It could probably be argued either way.

With the rise in Bipolar diagnoses, it seems that they love to blame US. Like we are entirely capable of controlling these severe mood shifts and we are flat out choosing not to. This is at best comical, and at worst incredibly insulting.

Someone asked me once how I would describe having Bipolar. I said "It's like ruining your own life. Repeatedly. And usually in an embarrassing way. And here's the kicker: at the time you will feel like you are doing exactly the right thing." As Christina said... who would want that mess? I mean... if you're offering to clean up after me after I've had a particularly bad episode, then sure... be my guest.