Since you were recently diagnosed with bipolar disorder, ask your doctor these questions at your next visit.
- What are the chances my children or other family members can inherit bipolar disorder?
- What’s the difference between bipolar I and bipolar II disorder? Which do I have?
- How do I decide which medications are most helpful for my condition and how do they work?
- What should I do if I forget to take any of my medications for bipolar disorder?
- What are the major warning signs that I could be developing mania or hypomania?
- What side effects are most common with the medicines I am taking and how are the side effects managed if they occur?
- How can stress and irregular sleep patterns affect my illness?
- What are the risks and benefits of taking anti-depressants for bipolar depression?
- Will I need blood tests to monitor my medicines and if so, how often?
- What are the risks of any alcohol use or drugs like marijuana or cocaine for my condition and what effects would they have on my medicines?
