I'm new here, and have some questions

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2004
I'm new here, and have some questions
2
Thu, 02-24-2005 - 12:26pm

Hi, I wandered over tothis board because I have some questions about Bipolar. I was in counseling through my university last Spring, and the counselor thought that I should see the school Psychiatrist and be tested for Bipolar Disorder. I never went throught with the testing out of fear, which is very stupid, I know, because you can't get help, unless you know what is wrong.

My question to you guys is, how does a dr. find out if someone has Bipolar Disorder? I know that mood swings ahve to do with it along witha period of mania, and a period of depression, and I know one type has more depression, and another type has more mania, however, is there a specific way a dr. can tell if you have bipolar disorder?

If someone takes lithium and does not have bipolar disorder can they die? Can they get sick? What exactly is lithium is something already in the body? Is there a way that one can test their levels of lithium and know if they need it? Please help?

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Thu, 02-24-2005 - 4:33pm

Hi and Welcome!

iVillage Member
Registered: 09-01-2004
Thu, 02-24-2005 - 9:26pm

Welcome to the board, I'm glad you found us.