- Some individuals don't seek a doctor's help until they are deep in a depressive episode and are entirely focused on those symptoms
- Other individuals may not recognize manic episodes–and therefore don't see them as problems they should mention to their doctors
- Some people simply may not remember manic episodes from their past
- Still others may experience depression as their very first episode, and they may not have a manic episode until some time in the future
- In general, there is high public awareness of depression; people can recognize the symptoms and know to look for help. In contrast, bipolar disorder–especially the symptoms of mania–is not as widely recognized
If you have questions about your diagnosis
Open, honest dialogue between patient and doctor is crucial to getting a correct diagnosis. If you feel you may have experienced some symptoms of mania, you owe it to yourself to explore them further with your doctor. Consider these tips:
- Review the Mood Questionnaire. It takes just a couple of minutes, and you can print out the results to share with your doctor
- Think back. Your behaviors and moods in the past–and not just those you're currently experiencing–can hold important clues. Ask yourself if there have been times (even years ago) when you felt or behaved in ways that were unusual or extreme for you. Share this important information with your doctor
- Ask a loved one for input. Sometimes those surrounding us-family, friends, colleagues–notice changes in our behavior that we don't. In addition, other people may remember events in the past that we have forgotten. Talking with loved ones can help you give your doctor the "full picture" of your symptoms
Questions to Ask a Doctor
Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression, and bipolar disorder are different conditions requiring different treatments.
If a person has been diagnosed with major depressive disorder (depression) but believes he or she may have experienced symptoms of bipolar disorder, it is important to discuss these concerns with a doctor.
The questions below can help guide you in creating a scene exploring symptoms that may or may not be attributed to bipolar disorder. Your characters might carry these questions with them to their doctor's visit–along with a printout of their Mood Questionnaire results.
Questions about exploring symptoms
- Bipolar disorder is sometimes misdiagnosed as depression. Do you have any reason to suspect that I could have bipolar disorder–or that I may be at risk for developing it in the future?
- I have taken a Mood Questionnaire. Can you interpret the results for me?
- What types of symptoms should I be aware of or looking for?
- If you think that bipolar disorder could be a possibility, what kind of testing would you do to confirm it and make a diagnosis?
Questions about living with bipolar disorder
If I am diagnosed with bipolar disorder...
- What types of medicines or other treatment might you prescribe for me? And what kinds of side effects might I face?
- Would you suggest that I see other/additional health care professionals for my bipolar disorder?
- How often would I need to schedule office visits with you?
- What would be the most important things I could do to stay physically and mentally balanced?
