Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 6/28/2008

Question
I am trying to get cleared to work for a job with the local government.  I have one problem, I was diagnosed bipolar, but I was taken off medication by a professional 2 years ago. I was decreasingly less symptomatic on less medication, and I was no longer with my ex, who was abusive, and a very unstable situation, who often gave me medication for small panic attacks that was not my prescription. For two years I've had no symptoms. My family and friends have even been watching for any signs of mania or depression. I've not been stress or problem free, but I've been coping with life just fine. Could the original diagnosis be wrong? Or am I just in an extended period of remission, and could go back to cycling at anytime?  

Is there any way to diagnose me properly in an  non symptomatic period?  

I'm seeing a therapist, but I can't get sent up to a psychiatrist because I don't need medication when I'm presenting with no symptoms. Just a history of bad situations and traumas.

Answer
Hi Caitlyn:

It is not likely you will find anyone willing to diagnose bipolar disorder when there are no symptoms.  It is very likely that your "symptoms" were a result of the situation you were living in.  Without medication, two years without symptoms is not likely with bipolar disorder.  It does not go into "remission" as some diseases do.  I would discuss with your therapist the possibility of noting this on your file and noting the possibility of you having been mis-diagnosed.
                          Joyce A. Anthony