Hi there I'm new

[Itsjustme17]

Hi, I've got an assessment for bipolar at the end of the week which is a relief as I've been going round in circles for months and not knowing what to do. Will I find out at the assessment if I have bipolar or not or will I need to go back? Not really sure how the whole assessment things works. Thanks

[chloe40]

Hi there Itsjustme17

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Chloe

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Hi welcome to the site. I should imagine you would at least get a tentative diagnosis. I presume assessment means exactly that ie they will assess you to see if you do have that and might well offer you counselling. Let us know what happens. x

[Fi68]

Hello, if the assessment is with a consultant psychiatrist you should find out by the end. Psychiatrists like to hedge their bets a bit so you may have to ask the direct question at the end, I know I did. However it may depend on how old you are, I am 48 and have had 20years of having episodes of severe depression, this morphed into bipolar 4years ago. If you are younger, still at college etc then it may not be appropriate to diagnose at this time. I can only advise you to be completely open about how you have been feeling, what symtoms you have been experiencing, and the reasons why it is a relief to have an assessment. Whatever the outcome, there is plenty of support available via t'internet, and your GP. All the best, hope it goes well and let us know how you are.

[Nahla23]

Sometimes it can take a long time, years for some, to get a diagnosis so my advice would be to try not to have expectations. Remember you are always entitled to second opinions and don't feel deflated if you get inconclusive results, it just means they are taking you seriously and don't want to make rash decisions which could lead to wrong medications if any are needed. counselling and CBT are always there to stop the "going round in circles" feeling. Xx