How accurate is the bipolar quiz?

Didn't know where else to post this, I guess this would be the right place

Anyway, is it very accurate? I scored a 43 ("moderate to severe"), so I'm just curious if it is or not.

Well, I'm not too positive on how accurate the bipolar quiz is. Just be sure not to diagnose yourself based on an online test! If you're concerned about your result though, you should see a psychiatrist.

I took the bipolar quiz out of curiosity and received a 23 (Either a mild bipolar disorder (II) or depressive disorder). Personally, some of my answers to those questions on the quiz came from the way I act out of my OCD. So other disorders can have similar characteristics, which is something to keep in mind.

Yeah I'm not taking it too seriously right now. I actually took most of the quizzes, most of them just out of curiosity. The main reason I'm focusing on this one alot (besides the fact that it seems to explain everything) is I have a family history of bipolar and alot of depression. (dad, grandpa, uncles, grandmas brother, aunt, cousins.....lol)

Hi Not Emo,

Since you have noted a strong family history of depression and bipolar and the test helped you realize you MAY be exhibiting signs of either disorder, I recommend you print out the test. Then take it with you to your doctor explaining your family history and asking for an evaluation since the test peaked your concerns.

You may be able to celebrate that you don't have anything as a result of the appointment. Then again, if you do have a mood disorder, you can celebrate catching it early when it's most treatable and allowing for a pretty normal lifestyle.

The reason I recommend this is that the longer one waits to get a diagnosis the more ingrained, the worse and harder to treat bipolar becomes. I had it when I was quite young & didn't know. I only started treatment at 56 and it's been a bear to control. Life's not been fun. I'm almost 58 now and the Psych Doc & I still don't have it right.

Please take care of yourself. I wish you a full and happy life.

That's where this gets difficult. I don't really have a doctor, but even if I did I'm 17 so one of my parents would have to take me, which means I would have to tell them first. Since I've been hiding all this kind of stuff for about 5 years I wouldn't even know where to start. Which is why I was wondering if the quiz is accurate, if it is maybe I could print it out and give it to my mom/dad, but if it isn't then I would just try to figure out some other way to explain everything (eventually...lol).

I get the not wanting to tell your parents...I didn't want to tell mine either at that age and I don't think anyone or anything could have changed my mind at the time. So instead of asking to go to a psychiatrist, could you ask to go in for a physical with a regular doctor? At least you would have a place to start; I know a pdoc would be preferable, but a regular doctor is able to prescribe meds, and he/she could always consult with a pdoc if you explain that at this time you don't feel ready for that because of your parents. I'm pretty sure (but not positive) that your doctor can't release any kind of information to your parents unless you are a danger to yourself or others. Just an idea...take care and I wish you the best!

I was in the same boat, Not Emo. Unfortunately for me, I started having issues at 13 or a bit earlier, then a few suicidal episodes made me talk to my parents and they rejected the idea of anything being wrong so I've been silent since. Finally was diagnosed with bipolar at 21 as I could take myself to a professional and I can tell you, it's really not worth delaying it unless you know the reaction from telling your parents will make things *much* worse. Every medical professional I saw leading up to my diagnosis asked me why I left it so late as I've had obvious symptoms for so long.

But I'm guessing from your family history they aren't the type to say it's not real etc? Just say how you've been feeling and you're trying to be responsible for your health so would like to have a check with a professional to see if you can nip it in the butt earlier so if something is up, it's not a concern as much in a the future when it could have a bigger impact. I'm pretty sure if you show you are serious and want to be honest with them, they'll help you get to and set up an appointment with a psychiatrist. Good luck! I know talking to parents can be tough. *hugs*

hi Not Emo

The quizes here aren't meant to be a diagnoises, but they can help indicat if you are showing signs of a certain disorder.

I understand the family thing, I waited to get into therapy and discuss my mental health issues until I was 18 and could handle everything on my own, but if you think your parents would be responsive or at least be willing to take you to a pdoc I would recommend it, the sooner one gets a treatment plan, into therapy, gets on meds etc the better, I know I feel much more in control of my life now, when before my bipolar and other issues controlled my life

I think someone suggested printing it out and taking it to your regular doctor, I think that is a great idea, maybe printing it out and showing your parents and explaing that you do have a strong family history of it, will help them be more calm and accepting of your concerns

Best wishes and let us know how everything goes
Typo

Printing it out and showing my parents would probably be easiest. I really hate going to regular doctors (really bad fear of needles makes it not a very fun place lol) and my parents know that so I would end up having to explain everything anyway. Great idea though

By the time I get up enough courage to show it to them I might be 18 already anyway lol