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Hi, I'm new to this board, usually post on anxiety/depression/migraine/arthritis....

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Bipolar Disorder
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Posted 10/11/2006 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
I went to a counselor yesterday and they screened me for bipolar, depression and anxiety. I scored highly positive for all three. I already know that I have depression/anxiety/panic attacks. Now I supposedly have BP too. I posted my story about this on the anxiety board and was told I'd get some good answers to my questions here. (not that they didn't help, they're awesome) I have a family history of BP on my Dad's side. My great-grandmother was probably BP from the history I've heard about her and I have an aunt who is definately BP and non compliant. I've seen her in action the last 5 years or so and man, is she he** on wheels! It frightens me that I could turn out like her. Although I have been and am a compliant patient. I do whatever I need to in order to deal. And I also know that I'm not her. I guess my question is, how do I tell for sure if I am BP? Other than the evaluation? I'm going back on Monday for another counseling session and will ask more questions. I was also told that I should make sure I get a second opinion. Is a psychiatrist the best way to go for this? Are there more definative tests out there? Ones that I could access on the web and take myself? Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.
Posted 10/11/2006 10:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Chelle,

So pleased to see you here! -- These are lovely folks too. Think they're all in bed at the moment, but they'll be on! I'm just off to work, so a mini message to welcome you to this board for now! -- I'll be back on later and will then respond *properly*.

Till then... :)

Rosie x
Posted 10/11/2006 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Chelle!

    You are not a carbon copy of your family.  You will be ok, I believe.  You already have a grip on it.  Being positive will always help.  Read on here and go to the library and read on it.  I didn't know anything about it till I was diagnosed this year.  Although I have always known something was up.  I also (in my case) believe that alot of things can mimic the disorder.  Heavy stress, depression etc.  So don't just KNOW that you HAVE to have Bi-polar.  But therapy and maybe med's, are what you need to investigate.  I go to therapy and I am glad that I do.  I am finding out a whole lot of issues that I need to deal with.  I did not feel like it at first, but I have stuck with it.  I agree that a second opinion is always a good idea.

God Bless you!

Becky Lynne~

Posted 10/11/2006 9:48 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Chelle,

Hooray -- I'm back!! Now, let's get on to business...!

There are online bipolar tests, but they may be a bit hit-and-miss (not sure how *scientific* they are: they're normally seen as something that indicates whether or not you should get more comprehensively screened by a psychiatrist). My advice would be to get a full evaluation from a psychiatrist (the only type of medical professional qualified to diagnose and prescribe for this condition). You might also want to look into some reading matter on bipolar. The best book I have encountered that can help guide you through this and add to your insight on the condition, as awell as help you to see whether ot not you have it, is (and, as I *always* recommend this one,  there will be a huge groan as people read this -- I promise I am *not* related to the author in *any* way!!) David Miklowitz's "Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide": much better than any online "check the boxes" evaluation.

If you really want to do a web test, though, there's one at http://www.dbsalliance.org/questionnaire/screening_intro.asp

Good luck hun -- and keep asking anything you like!!! :)

Rosie x

Posted 10/12/2006 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks Rosie, you're awesome!
Posted 10/12/2006 11:05 PM (GMT 0)
My pleasure Chelle! xx
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