[confusedworried]

Hi everyone, this is my first post.

I've been struggling with depression and anxiety for years now (I'm only 22) but recently I've started to think that I may have bipolar disorder. Both my father and my father's mother have been diagnosed as bipolar. I've screened positive on every online quiz I've taken. As I've learned more about the disorder, and I've come to realize that it would explain a LOT. I really need help because my symptoms are taking over my life and interfering with work and relationships.

I won't go into more detail here because I'd really like to ask what steps others have taken to get a diagnosis. Did you speak with your regular doctor first (I know they need to rule out a physical cause) or a therapist? What happened next? What sort of medical tests were needed (i.e. to check for a thyroid problem)? How long did it take to find out what was wrong?

Thanks for taking the time to read and for any help!

[aeckelberger]

I am in a similar situation as you are in. I think I am bipolar also, I was also positive on all the online tests I took. I am going to see my therapist first. I'm not sure what to do first, just taking it one step at a time. Wish i could have been more help. Keep smiling

[HALLIEBETH87]

just go see a pdoc and discuss ur concerns with them

[japanese_lily]

Hi! I'm also 22 and was diagnosed about a month ago (early July, I can't remember the date exactly). I had beens suspecting that something was wrong since February when I was misdiagnosed with depression and put on anti-depressants (which just made everything worse).

If you have an understanding internist, you can always go to him/her. That's what I did. I made a list of my symptoms on a note card and made an appointment as my internist knows my family's and my medical histories intimately.

Best of luck!

[unpredictable]

I called my regular doctor to ask for recommendations for a local therapist. I saw the therapist and he felt like I would need medication along with therapy. So the therapist referred me to the Psychiatrist. The psychiatrist got all my history and everything I had been through and confirmed that I was Bipolar type II and the therapist agreed. The Psychiatrist also had me get blood tests to rule out thyroid or vitamin deficiancy.

It sounds kind of complicated but it was actually quite simple. You don't have to call your regular doctor first you can simply go to a therapist or you can go straight to a psychiatrist. I reccomend the therapist first because some psychiatrists jump straight to meds.

[confusedworried]

Thanks to everyone who replied!

I just got home from my first appointment with a therapist today and it went better than I expected. He was very perceptive and picked the right questions to ask. I didn't mention that I thought I might be bipolar till the end of the session (just discussed the main issues I've been having), and he said that he considered it a possibility. I have a follow up appointment and he's going to ask me more questions related to bipolar disorder and talk to me about medication options.

Overall I feel really good about finally getting help.

[MyBestKids2]

I am so happy your appointment with your therapist went well. Is your next appointment soon? Did he mention a psychiatrist referral?

So glad things are working out, please keep us updated!

Take care,
Dee