I was once diagnosed with BP II. I did not believe it, because my mood fluctuations, which lasted usually about a week, only occurred when I was on an SSRI. Out of the 5 different SSRIs I have tried, two caused bipolar symptoms. One of the drugs made me acutely psychotic and agitated. I wondered around my city incoherent and confused for about a week. Another one made my moods swing. Some people believe this indicates bipolar disorder. It cannot be in my case since none of this has happened ever since I have taken those two drugs. My experience makes me wonder if medication contributes to the over diagnosis of BP.

I live in Canada where psychiatrists appear to be more cautious.