Expert: Ivan Goldberg, M.D. - 11/20/2009

Question
I was recently diagnosed as being bipolar. I just questioned if they could have made a miss diagnosis. I know earlier, maybe 10 yrs ago I was diagnosed as having major depression. I just dont remember if I was exactly honest back then as I came out of an abusive environment around the time I was 16. I do have a lot of signs of bi polar. Then again I have periods where I am perfectly fine with even moods. I also have many people telling me that I'm bi polar as well. :( If they did make an accurate diagnossis, is there any alternative methods to treat it instead of medication. Im very against medications as I feel they are poisons, plus I do not have any health insurance.

Answer
Hi Lorrie . . .

There is always a possibility that a medical diagnosis is incorrect. That is why many patients seek a second opinion from a physician with no connections with their original physician.

It is quite common for people to initially be diagnosed with major depression, and only later for the bipolar aspect of their illness to become apparent and for the diagnosis to be changed to some form of bipolar disorder.

You might try doing two Google searches, the first on the phrase "soft bipolar" and the second on "bipolar spectrum."

Medication combined with psychotherapy is the best treatment for people with bipolar disorder.

Best regards . . .

Ivan
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