[strangerunawaydino]

After my appointments with my psychologist my discharge paper always says "rule out Bipolar NOS" a long with my other disorders. What does it actually mean to rule something out? None of my healthcare providers have really brought about Bipolar disorder to me, I have borderline personality disorder, and in ways BD, and BPD are kind of the same. Lately, I've been suspecting symptoms of BP. I've taken BP tests and they all show that I very likely have it. I know tests aren't accurate, but I am concerned. Should I bring it up to my psychologist? Thanks!

[Victoria'smom]

I would bring it up to your dr. What are your other dx's?

BPD is different to BP but BPD can mimic BP, especially if you a self diagnosing, some paitents can display symptoms of mental illness even if they dont have it, after believing that they do, especially those with BPD. So be aware of this.

How long do your mood swings last? BPD moodswings tend to change daily to every few days, where as BP changes over weeks or months. Many many people are misdiagnosed and if they have ruled out BP NOS it is unlikely you have it. Rule out means not a possibility.

[jesusplay]

you don't fit it, so it's ruled out or being ruled out.

Diagnosis aren't that important for mental illness from your view as a patient.

Continue therapy and seeing a doctor.....focus on treatment.

I've had many diagnosis = over 2 years, all have been ruled. Bipolar 1 and GAD are my current tags.

But again in my opinion diagnosis don't mean anything, let the doctor worry about that, stay in treatment!!

mental illness basically has the same medications that cover each other and are prescribed off label.

a psychical illness is usually set in stone and won't go to far off the original diagnosis.

[~Christina]

It often just takes time for a pdoc or a T to observe your moods that is why charting your moods can be so very important to the Doctors is defining your "Diagnosis/Label"

It's very common to have multiple diagnosis.. Ask you providers to explain to you what they are thinking and how can you help provide information that will give them a clearer picture of your day to day life ..

Welcome to PC

[Crazy Hitch]

Originally Posted by strangerunawaydino

After my appointments with my psychologist my discharge paper always says "rule out Bipolar NOS" a long with my other disorders. What does it actually mean to rule something out? None of my healthcare providers have really brought about Bipolar disorder to me, I have borderline personality disorder, and in ways BD, and BPD are kind of the same. Lately, I've been suspecting symptoms of BP. I've taken BP tests and they all show that I very likely have it. I know tests aren't accurate, but I am concerned. Should I bring it up to my psychologist? Thanks!

If it is cause enough for concern, then yes, by all means, bring it up with your psychologist.

I have both BPD and BP - and there is a definite difference in terms of diagnostic criteria.

Sure, "some" symptoms might sound similar, but after getting used to the drill of a dual diagnosis I can certainly distinguish which aspects are being caused by my bipolar and which ones from my borderline.

For bipolar (I think ... don't quote me) but I'm pretty damn sure you have to have had a hypomanic / manic episode....

[Mimielam]

It can take a long time to get the proper diagnosis. I think they do this sort of like a mechanic does it when you have a problem with you're car..They start with the most obvious issue and try to "fix" that..but then if something comes along of if it does not work they look at other issues. Also, I think that it can take a long time before we really open up..other times it can be hard explaining things..so they must observes..thinking pattern, behaviors, reaction to medication, reaction to life issues..BP and BPD is similar for some stuff, but so different for other things. At 18, I was told I was BPD after a few appointment...10 years later..it was humour problems,,another 10 years later..post traumatic..and now..probable ADHD and probable cycloramic disorder...see how it all can change,,,depending of who is evaluation, how you are, ..I'd say it's really really important to have a few points of view and to talk to you're psychologist, and mostly a psychiatrist. Good Luck.

[Mimielam]

Also, I found that what really helped me to communicate to my doctor was to have someone come with me to answer questions and describe some issues..because sometimes..it can be so very difficult depending of how you are feeling, and if on medication etc..

[electricbipolargirl]

Originally Posted by strangerunawaydino

After my appointments with my psychologist my discharge paper always says "rule out Bipolar NOS" a long with my other disorders. What does it actually mean to rule something out? None of my healthcare providers have really brought about Bipolar disorder to me, I have borderline personality disorder, and in ways BD, and BPD are kind of the same. Lately, I've been suspecting symptoms of BP. I've taken BP tests and they all show that I very likely have it. I know tests aren't accurate, but I am concerned. Should I bring it up to my psychologist? Thanks!

From my understanding, when the psychiatric papers list "Rule Out Bipolar NOS" or any other disorder, it means that it has not been ruled out yet and needs to be further explored before they can diagnose you with it.