Published on 12, July, 2020
1970sCarbonUnit said:I am, however, sceptical of the diagnosis because I believe I may have unconsciously led the diagnosis towards a specific conclusion as a result of my BPD, despite my ASD diagnosis claiming that my BPD diagnosis may well have been a misdiagnosis.
There are a lot of shared traits between Bipolar and Autism so I would recommend looking at the graphic below and seeing if you have a reasonable number that are outside of the shared area - this would indicate you are both (called co-morbidity).
1970sCarbonUnit said:What's next? Do I shell out for another private assessment and just make sure I lay everything out again?
Unless you need the diagnisis for a specific reason then I wouldn't bother - just take a free online test ( eg https://www.mind-diagnostics.org/bipolar_disorder-test ) and if you meet the criteria then you know you are most probably with both.
Stong swings in mood, serious depression or manic episodes are likely to need medication so speak to your GP if this is the case and I think this would merit a diagnosis being booked.
Take the time to read up on your traits and ways to manage them. Take control of them as best you can and just live your life to the fullest.
1970sCarbonUnit said:the NHS will refuse to recognise any private assessment?
If you have a private diagnosis then present them with a copy to add to your medical records and you will be recognised with the condition of the diagnosis.
If you need them to get a private diagnosis then ask the the Right To Choose and they will need to book one for you. It may not apply if you live outside of England however. This is likely to take a fraction of the time although I have heard the wait times are getting a lot longer.