[kitty004567]

Where to begin..

So, originally I had a Pdoc who refused to diagnose BP. He said I didn't have it - I do. But I always wondered if there was a reason why he wouldn't diagnose. Was it my age (17)? Did he think I had something else? Schizophrenia has been on the table more than once. Interestingly, the medication combination that finally worked includes an anti-psychotic (seroquil).

Well, that was 10 years ago but the questions' popped up again. I've been having psychotic episodes (several that I know about). I've been having time loss and memory lapses. It used to be I only lost time when having sex but lately I've noticed time missing at other times. My T wants me to flat out ask my Pdoc if he thinks these symptoms are bipolar related or if we need to consider schizophrenia (and of course trauma... but we know there's trauma so...).

I don't even really know where I was going with this but part of me does wonder how in the world they would be able to diagnose psychosis let alone schizophrenia without hospitalizing me, taking me off all meds, getting me through the withdraw, so they could see unmedicated symptoms. Why go poking the dragon? Fortunately, I see the Pdoc Friday and I don't see the T before then.

Best of luck to you! I wish I had some more comforting things to say, but honestly, I don't think you're going to feel truly at ease until you know what's going on in your head & have it properly taken care of.

[manicminer]

Age has a factor. They claim BP can't be accurately diagnosed til after 18. but if my math is right and you're 27 now, I myself don't understand why your pdoc couldnt come up with something by now. I was diagnosed at 20 and on the first day of treatment. Maybe it was because I was sooooo manic it was all too obvious for him. Def. tell your pdoc to consider the idea. he/she may be able to look back and find a pattern that could bring him/her to a more conclusive decision.

[kitty004567]

It's a new pdoc well not new (2 years).. I fired the old one after I committed myself for a diagnosis and he refused to treat. Then I fired the next two Pdocs. I am going to ask the current Pdoc to request the records from the first Pdoc. The first guy took a lot of notes, I'm hoping he wrote down why he refused to diagnose and treat for 6 years or thereabouts. I was diagnosed (finally!) at 23 and you're right, I'm now 27.