It took 3 months in a psyc ward for me to get my diagnosis. Over the course of the next few years I was closely observed, and warning signs for both states were recorded. I have been hospitalised in both states, so the pdocs were able to keep a very close eye on me. I have been diagnosed Bipolar by at least 8 different pdocs. In my own research I have many of the symptoms, many of which I didnt know were symptoms!

I have no doubt I am bipolar, neither do my support networks, pdocs or many T's I have had over the years.

Now if this is caused by emotional troubles is another issue... there is no doubt about my diagnosis, and I did have a pretty normal childhood. But as the years have gone one after being diagnosed I have had some emotional issues, I feel these have exacerbated my symptoms. I feel that many of the emotional issues came after the onset of Bipolar. So far we have not gone into my childhood at all in 10 years of therapy. I have very distinct warning signs when a BP mood change is coming, and I am not a rapid cycler by any means, my support network can see it a mile off. There are rarely triggers for my mood changes.