[AngstyLady]

So I keep coming up with quiz results saying I'm bipolar but my Pdoc doesn't seem to think so- she says she's considered it, next to borderline and shizoaffective, but mostly I am still considered to just be suffering from anxiety and depression. I have an apt with her this next week and am looking for some advice. . . .

[nbritton]

Originally Posted by AngstyLady

So I keep coming up with quiz results saying I'm bipolar but my Pdoc doesn't seem to think so- she says she's considered it, next to borderline and shizoaffective, but mostly I am still considered to just be suffering from anxiety and depression. I have an apt with her this next week and am looking for some advice. . . .

Have you ever responded to Lithium, Lamictal, or Depakote? Do you respond to any medications?

[polesapart]

Generally I would trust your pdoc over quiz results, but if you think bipolar fits as a diagnosis it may be worth getting a second opinion.

[gayleggg]

Yes, I would trust the doctor over online quizes but a second opinion might be good if you are in doubt.

[Resident Bipolar]

Online diagnoses tests/quizzes aren't regarded very highly by the professional medical community. They are, perhaps, infamous for being inaccurate due to a combination of factors, including their inability to take into consideration alternative explanations for symptoms.

Also, most people will score themselves incorrectly and find traits in themselves that either aren't present or don't meet a severity or level sufficient to warrant a diagnoses.

However: online quizzes are good for assistance to decide on key topics to discuss with a healthcare professional and thus can occasionally be used as a diagnostic tool. It would be good if you can do one of the quizzes that give detailed feedback and print off the summary of answers (if available) and present that to either your current pdoc/psychiatrist or approach a different one for a second opinion.

I was diagnosed with depression and anxiety myself for three years until I got the diagnoses of Bipolar Disorder, though that was based on class peers and educational staff pushing me to query Bipolar (some of my most severe Bipolar Symptoms developed during college). It may therefore be wise to collect as much evidence as possible and then present that to your psych/pdoc.

Keep a mood diary for a while, writing in it your mood and the triggers (or lack of). Explain the symptoms felt at the time of the mood. This will, with a printed copy of the Quiz and your answers to it, help during the process of a diagnoses. If its still to no avail, get a second opinion.

Try to be positive (:
RB

[vans1974]

I don't like to be labeled. I find when people are given their diagnosis they act like it. I like docs that just focus on what current symptoms and problems the patients are having!

[AngstyLady]

Well I am currently taking Prozac, I recently increased my dose and things have been going well- I let my pdoc know via phone message - I was having severe problems on my 20 mg alone(increased anxiety attacks to the point of not being able to go to work a few day), but I accidentally took a double dose on Saturday and things were really great that day and so I have been doing that the past few days. I had been on 40 mg of Zoloft in the past and that worked, so hopefully this will keep working for me as well. I feel good as new, like my old self.

[gayleggg]

Glad you are feeling better. I'm interested too, because I'm on Prozac and am wondering if I would feel better if my pdoc raised my dose a little. So let me know how you do. We are reducing the Latuda to 20mg so I can get off of it. It is too expensive for me to afford.

[AngstyLady]

Originally Posted by gayleggg

Glad you are feeling better. I'm interested too, because I'm on Prozac and am wondering if I would feel better if my pdoc raised my dose a little. So let me know how you do. We are reducing the Latuda to 20mg so I can get off of it. It is too expensive for me to afford.

I have continued to feel better . . .

[gayleggg]

Glad you are continuing to feel better.