How long does it take to get a good diagnosis?

[Poodlefanforlife]

I am an extremely sensitive person, shy, and I admit I do have some anger issues (nothing violent, just take things too personally).

I’ve been depressed for years but also have a lot of anxiety about things as well.

My mom said she thinks I have bipolar and I should see a psychiatrist. So I went to a psychiatrist for the first time, told him my mom thinks I have bipolar, and by the end of my session he said I have bipolar.

Can this be a legit diagnosis after one session. What’s your thoughts? How long did it take you to get proper diagnosis?

[TrustYourSoul]

This is pretty quick to diagnose Bipolar in just one visit. Usually there is some testing (written questions and answers), and situational behavioral examples discussed at length. If there are multiple recent episodes of quickly going back and forth between Mania, and the oppposite, Depression, the doctor may be correct. Once an affirative diagnosis is made, there is usually a medication prescription to fill. Did these things happen with/for You?

[Poodlefanforlife in reply to TrustYourSoul]

I did have a questionnaire for my first appointment and we talked for about 45 minutes. I’m definitely not arguing that I’m not bipolar, but it just seems like such a quick diagnosis based on my moms thoughts and 1 meeting.

I’m on a mood stabilizer. I think it helps with my anger but I still feel depressed and get bad anxiety from time to time.

I can’t sleep more than 3 hours at a time and sometimes I feel like that’s was messes with my mood.

Blah. I’m sure I do have bipolar. I feel embarrassed about it and won’t tell any of my friends. I think I would get treated differently and judged being “crazy”.