[jaekae]

Hi everyone,

I have a psychiatric assessment at the end of the week. I've never had one before and only know that It's a test for bipolar. Has anyone had a psychiatric assessment before? and if so what does it involve and how long does it take to get results?

Thanks

[Anneinside]

A psychiatric assessment always includes and interview by the psychiatrist. He/she will elicit information about your history and symptoms to decided if they warrant a diagnosis and what it would be. There could also be some psychological tests, basically true-false questions. No, you don't have to study for it!

There's no sure-fire test, like a brain scan or anything. Since you mention "results" I wondered if you might think this. It might be nice if such a thing existed(!) It's just talking. Anneinside covers what it will actually be. Just be honest about what is going on. They will likely ask some questions to clarify some things. Don't worry though, if you've got stuff going on, they are there to try to help make it better for you.

[lotusflames]

basically you'll talk to the psych. they'll ask you questions and try ad get your history from you and current symptoms in order to get an accurate diagnosis but you might not get this on a first meeting

[Perna]

I like reading the Mayo Clinic site and the way they give information when I'm checking a health concern:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bip...-and-diagnosis

[jaekae]

Thanks everyone I can't stop researching and now I am thinking I have borderline personality disorder. So since it's all getting too scary, I'm just going to wait until Friday and leave it to the experts. Start seeing a psychologist in three weeks time too, so baby steps Thanks again

[Bipolarmother]

research is good...

I have bipolar, PTSD with an axis II "borderline traits in depression". When I read about BPD I dont see me fitting the DSM criteria, but I go in such a funk in depression that I understand sometimes something needs to be listed to help the other professionals understand the degree of chaos I go into.

We all dont fit neatly in the DSM criterias so sometimes labels are good and sometimes they are not. It's all in the knowlege we obtain to help ourselves...