I ask because in my early 20's I was diagnosed first with depression and anxiety. I was put on depression meds and valium as well. Then I was diagnosed BP and put on lithium too. I was talking to my family doctor, who had known me for years, and I was telling him I didn't feel any different on the lithium. He told me after knowing me so long he did not feel I was BP and I should seek a different pdoc.

Started seeing a new pdoc who tried me on every depression med there is (ok, I'm exadurating). Over the next few years I was on and off depression meds and anti-anxiety meds.

Forward to about 10 years ago. I was re-diagnosed as BP by a new pdoc. I was put on some new meds and I've been doing pretty darn well since then. I've adjusted doses and meds over the years but overall doing much better than I did for all the undiagnosed years!