I think a lot of people with bipolar disorder are treated for the anxiety and depression that comes with it before a certain and accurate diagnosis is made. If people are like I was, I only ever went to a doctor when suffering from depression or anxiety. Other than one time in my teens when I might have reached full blown manic, all my hypomanic days were what I thought to be "normal". They did create behavioral issues, but I ignored their ramifications.

A psychiatrist finally diagnosed me with "manic depression" and wanted me to take Lamictal, but I refused it and stopped seeing him. I only started bipolar medication (Lithium) when hospitalized for the first time. The hospital doctor consulted with my old psychiatrist and the diagnosis of bipolar disorder became firm.