How to Talk With Your Doctor About Bipolar Disorder

When you talk to your doctor, it is important to be open, honest, and specific. In return, you should be getting the same good communication from your doctor. Although some of the following issues may have been addressed in your first visits, be sure to bring them up again if necessary.

You might find it helpful to write the answers to the following down and bring them with you to your next doctor visit.

• Think of those times you felt depressed and write down what it felt like. Did something bring it on - say a relationship breakup - or did it seem to occur out of the blue? Did you feel like you couldn’t go on living? Did you entertain thoughts of suicide? Did you feel like you couldn’t get out of bed? Or, just the opposite, maybe you couldn’t get to sleep.
• Are you eating more or less?
• Not feeling your usual self? What’s different?
• Are you doing a great acting job hiding your distress from your friends and family and colleagues, or do they think you’re acting a bit out of character, too?
• Are your work and family and personal relationships feeling the strain? Provide details.
• Are you less patient with people lately? Short-tempered, angry, aggressive? Or perhaps the very opposite, submissive, guilt-ridden, and ready to give up without a fight. How long has this been going on? Have you felt like this at other times in your life?

Others things you'll want to share that could help your doctor with the diagnosis and treatment:

• Your family's mental health history? Does/did any other family member have depression or bipolar disorder or another mental illness?
• Are a survivor of trauma or abuse?
• Try to think back on what it's like for you to feel "normal." Is "normal" for you feeling constantly or somewhat depressed? Maybe you've had periods where you've been a "little too happy" -- maybe even euphoric.
• What are your friends and family saying about you and your behavior?

Print this page as a reminder and use the extra space to add any other topics you would like to discuss.

Tell your doctor if:

• You have felt like ending your life
• Anyone else in your family has or seems to have a mood disorder
• You are taking any medications, either over-the-counter or prescription
• You are experiencing side effects from your medication
• Your medication isn't working and you want to stop taking it
• (Remember, many medications take some time to take effect.)
• If you have had any severe injuries in the past, such as a car accident
• If you have or are developing any other medical issues, such as diabetes or high blood pressure
• If you have or are developing any allergies

If your physician prescribes a new medication, be sure to find out:

• How to take the medication, and at what time of day? (Many times the dosage and number of pills taken each day changes, and medication may need to be taken with or without food, so ask your physician to write it down for you.)
• What are the possible side effects when taking this medication?
• What should you do if you experience a side effect?
• How long will you have to take this medication?
• Are there any risks associated with this medication?
• When can you expect to feel better?
• Are there other things that you can do to help yourself feel better?
• Should psychotherapy (or "talk therapy") be a part of your treatment?
• If so, what kind?

next: Discussing Bipolar Treatment Options

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Reviewed: 03/2006