It took me eight years and four different psychiatrists before I got my diagnosis. If you suspect you might be bipolar you should read about it as much as you can so you understand what it's about. If you still think you have it you should take it up with your doctor again. There are tests and such, but for the most part you have to have several sessions with a psychiatrist before they can give you a diagnosis. There are several other mental illnesses that are similar to being bipolar and your psychiatrist have to determine if you have any of these as well. Mental health problems are difficult because everyone's mind works differently. My biploar disorder might be very diffferent than someone elses with the same diagnosis.