Good point, and that's very understandable. I'm dreading the (especially long-term) side effects as well. For what it's worth, my pdoc is very open to letting me take part in the decisions as to which meds I take, or even to try without meds (while being monitored) if I want and I think my life is stable enough. It's not perfect and I don't think side effects are completely avoidable, but at least for me I'm not forced to take any meds I don't want and (at least while I'm not a danger to anyone) I'm free to partake in the decision as to which is worse, the bipolar or the "cure." I guess what I'm trying to say is that getting an accurate diagnosis doesn't automatically mean you'll be completely at your pdoc's mercy when it comes to meds.