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Bipolar Disorder/Duration for R/O Bipolar Disorder testing

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Expert: Joyce A. Anthony - 8/23/2009


Question
Hello Joyce,

I am given Mood Stabilizer to rule out Bipolar Disorder. How long will it take to rule out with medication?

Thanks,
Selvei.

Answer
Hello Selvei:

There is no way to rule out bipolar disorder by giving a person a mood stabilizer.  If your doctor told you that is the reason, I would advise looking for another doctor.  However, if you saw the diagnosis listed as RO or R/O bipolar, it actually means a diagnosis of bipolar disorder that can't be placed into a particular category at the moment.  If the latter is the case, you will more than likely need to remain on a mood stabilizer permanently.

                    Joyce A. Anthony

Bipolar Disorder

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Joyce A. Anthony

Expertise

I can answer questions dealing with bipolar disorder in a parent, yourself or your child. I can give suggestions and insight into what can be expected of many medications for bipolar disorder. My most extensive knowledge is in children with bipolar disorder. Here I can give advice on dealing with daily events, schools, medication and professionals.

Experience

I am the daughter of a bipolar/schizophrenic parent, am bipolar myself and am raising a bipolar child. I have a background in Psychology from Gannon University, have run several parenting classes for those parenting bipolar children and have had extensive experience with medications, the school system, homeschooling a special needs child, dealing with counselors, doctors and other professionals in the mental health field. I write for a bipolar website, with the focus on educating the child with bipolar disorder on his/her illness.

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