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How long does it take generally for a diagnosis?

So I 15 and turning 16 soon, I think I might be bipolar. I've done a lot of research and it seems to fit, but I want a proper diagnosis from a physiatrist. How long in general did it take for you to be fully diagnosed? I just don't want to miss out on school and I don't like feeling this intense and out of controll.
But thank you to anyone who helps!
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Avatar universal
im 21 turning 22 now. I was finally after almost 8 years just got diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder and severe anxiety. they put me on a mood stabilizer and an anti anxiety medication.

it took about an hour yesterday to be diagnosed. she asked me questions the entire time about my moods swings, how bad they are, how often they occur, what happens when I have them (or when I have my anxiety attacks), she asked about family history because mental illness typically runs in the families(my father had depression and ended up committing suicide and my aunt has anxiety and depression and my cousin is bipolar as well), and family history of illness of any kind.

after the hour was over she diagnosed me and wrote the scripts for my medications. my advice to you is find a psychiatrist you are comfortable with and that has a good reputation. i was about your age when i started experiencing my symptoms of anxiety and bipolar disorder. its great that you are noticing it at want to do something about it. there are adults that wait a lifetime to do anything about it or they don't realize whats going on until its too late. also i recommend finding a good therapist as well they go hand in hand. youll need therapy and medication. that's what im doing and its the best option and most people do that.
Goodluck!
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
im 21 turning 22 now. I was finally after almost 8 years just got diagnosed with bipolar 2 disorder and severe anxiety. they put me on a mood stabilizer and an anti anxiety medication.

it took about an hour yesterday to be diagnosed. she asked me questions the entire time about my moods swings, how bad they are, how often they occur, what happens when I have them (or when I have my anxiety attacks), she asked about family history because mental illness typically runs in the families(my father had depression and ended up committing suicide and my aunt has anxiety and depression and my cousin is bipolar as well), and family history of illness of any kind.

after the hour was over she diagnosed me and wrote the scripts for my medications. my advice to you is find a psychiatrist you are comfortable with and that has a good reputation. i was about your age when i started experiencing my symptoms of anxiety and bipolar disorder. its great that you are noticing it at want to do something about it. there are adults that wait a lifetime to do anything about it or they don't realize whats going on until its too late. also i recommend finding a good therapist as well they go hand in hand. youll need therapy and medication. that's what im doing and its the best option and most people do that.
Goodluck!
Helpful - 0
2034089 tn?1331756816
It took 10 years and several doctors and hospitals before I was diagnosed with Bipolar I. I would recommend using the mood tracker on this site (medhelp.org, that is), print it out after a month or two, then take it to your doctor. This will definitely help you articulate your mood and concerns with your doctor. Good Luck! oh.... and kudos for taking action now... you are one smart cookie. Don't forget to take your vitamins.
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Avatar universal
For everyone its different. I first got quickly  diagnosed w/ocd & then had a full manic episode within a year & then dx w/bipolar /ocd.
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Avatar universal
yes may be true...but after you have had a bad maninc you wont want this..unless its a hypomaninc ,,then i,m ok with that even!!
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Avatar universal
in genral the doc wants to get to know you better..before the do any diagnoses..to be sure he or she is certain..took me 5 weeks..been re,diagnosed 3 times
Helpful - 0
2010625 tn?1329372056
I started going to psychatrists when I was around 14, but I have been off and on about it all these years. They tried to tell me I was Bipolar back then, but I wasn't hearing any of it. I got severly depressed about 19. They diagnosed me with Major Depressive Disorder and possible Anxiety, and possible Bipolar. I have also had Anxiety that went undiagnosed for years (still not sure if it is). At 27 they changed my diagnosis to Mood Disorder NOS when I had a hospital stay. After I got out they now say I am Bipolar. Of course you have to understand I was being resistant to the diagnosis this whole time, because I had a fear of ending up like my mom who is Bipolar. For me I am almost 28 now so 13-14 years for them to diagnose me Bipolar.
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Avatar universal
It took me 15 years to get the right diagnosis. I was diagnosed with depression and a nervous breakdown, but finally I was diagnosed bipolar 4 years ago. It takes an average of 8 years to get diagnosed because they usually diagnose depression first. Because most people don't seek help when manic.

Some medication can flatten you, but if it does it is the wrong medication. With the medication I am on now I am creative. I design jewelry and paint abstracts. I would be perfectly fine to do drama given the chance. I love improve, not so good at plays as memorization would be an issue (not a bipolar issue - just an issue).

I would be lying if I said it didn't affect my creativity. In some ways it has enhanced it. I can focus and complete things, but I don't have the intense emotions I used to which would drive some of my work. I am happier so I don't have need to express the deep dark thoughts. It is during some of those thoughts I did my best work. But, the dark times are not worth a few good paintings. Those were dangerous suicidal times that I would not go back to for love or money. Maybe for love ... definently not for money.

I doubt very strongly you will lose your love and creativity for music or drama, and if you do then you change meds.

And depending on the severity you can go without meds, but if you get suicidal then meds are the way to go. I don't know where you live but the Amen clinics use natural medicine as their first line, and if that doesn't work then they go to medication. They do a specialized brain scan to see what areas of your brain are being affected and then customize a program for you. They are pricey though. You can however buy their suppliments online and give those a try first.

But I reiterate. If you get to the point of suicidal thoughts - best to go see a psychiatrist and try some medication.  Its just that there are levels of bipolar and at the lower levels you may have success with natraceuticals. Just be careful. For example St. John's Wort is great for clinical depression. It is first line treatment in Germany. It is horrible for people with bipolar disorder. Can make them manic. There are a lot more risks going the natural route as anyone can make claims.
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Avatar universal
Ok, as long as I stay creative. Music and drama are my life. So if I couldn't do it anymore I'd be pretty miserable.
Helpful - 0
585414 tn?1288941302
   Yes it took some time for me to be diagnosed as my diagnosis changed after seeing several psychiatrists and when various medications were used until they decided I have schizoaffective disorder. Other people I know have always had the same diagnosis and similar medication regime from the beginning so it depends. It did help that I was the one who decided to follow up with seeing a psychiatrist myself from the beginning. The earlier treatment is started the better the response from what I have read.
Helpful - 0
1965148 tn?1354978634
hOw long did it take for you to get diagnosed?
Helpful - 0
2010625 tn?1329372056
I am still not officially diagnosed with biolar. They changed my diagnosis to mood disorder nos, but they said I was manic. They also put me into a bipolar group therapy. I am pretty convinced I am bipolar, but who knows if and when they will change my diagnosis. I guess it doesn't really matter as long as I am getting all my symptoms treated properly.
Helpful - 0
585414 tn?1288941302
  Medication has been very important to maintain my functioning and stability as it has for many people here. I still am able to keep my creativity although I am on medication. I do collage work and did poetry in the past and actually have improved since I was on medication as it helps my ability to concentrate and focus which is important for many aspects of my life.
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Avatar universal
Ok, thanks. It is possible to cope without meds? Cause I know I can get these creative outbursts which are really good. My mum and I don't want that to go away though.
Helpful - 0
585414 tn?1288941302
  It generally shouldn't take that long. I started treatment right away after being diagnosed but it did take some time to adjust to it. If you have concerns it is worthwhile to discuss them with a therapist who could refer you to a psychiatrist. If you are diagnosed a psychiatrist can discuss with you how long it would take to adjust on what medication they would consider and tell you what to do from there.
Helpful - 0
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