What was your reaction when you were diagnosed with bipolar disorder? How were you diagnosed?

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It definitely caught me off guard!

I was previously diagnosed with ADHD and depression, and I went to seek medication/treatment from a psychiatrist. He asked me how I felt, why I had difficulties concentrating, etc. etc.. Then he said, "No, that's not ADHD. Here, fill out these surveys."

The surveys were mood disorder surveys, which confused me. After I filled them out, he said, "Have you ever heard of bipolar disorder before?" "I've heard of it, but I don't know much about it." "Based on what you indicated here, and based on your current behavior, you have bipolar disorder. You are both elated and depressed right now. I can't give you stimulants for ADHD because they cause mania."

I didn't know what to say because I was sort of stunned.