A lot of people I consult with delayed getting a bipolar diagnosis for years or in some cases, decades. To some degree, this reflects the human tendency to hope it is a storm that will pass, and to not ask this important question. The lack of a good diagnostic evaluation (and subsequent services) for people who have untreated bipolar disorder can mean difficulties in relationships, work and school. As our society is often quite prejudiced toward individuals who live with psychiatric disorders, I recognize that it can take courage to get a good evaluation—to ask the question.

Many people also report to me that they have looked for answers for years but have not gotten the right diagnosis. Often doctors who see a person in a "snapshot" (one interview) do not make the diagnosis, but rather do so only after they see the "movie" (many interviews) of the person over time.