How to prove to Army that I am not bipolar?

SPC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 10:18:33 -0500

About a year ago, after the birth of my daughter, I saw a psychiatrist who asked if I cry often, if I am happy sometimes and sad others. I answered yes to her questions and she stuck me with a bipolar diagnosis. I’ve seen a new psych and she did not agree with the diagnosis and reversed the diagnosis. However, I have a formal hearing with the PEB (they deem me unfit for duty.) how can I prove to them I am not bipolar? (I have been medically cleared civilian side, take no meds or therapy)

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Nov 7 at 2020 1:37 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 13:37:35 -0500

SPC Private RallyPoint Member Sorry to Hear! Wish I had some Good Advice. I Don't. I'm Also sad You chose the Wrong Military Career Field. Some Fields being a Little "Off Kilter" being "Bent" is Expected, Accepted. Respectfully CTO1 Wm "Chip" Nagel USN(R) Retired Navy Spook.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 7 at 2020 5:33 PM

CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 17:33:35 -0500

Could be post-partem depression. Only professionally qualified personnel can make determinations of this nature. The nature of your response (s) is relevant to any diagnosis. Sometimes there is a communication gap, and always be honest. Pursue, and stay informed, but realize any limitations and adjust. Train if possible and still remain focused on longer term goals.

Response by SSG Dale London made Nov 7 at 2020 6:26 PM

SSG Dale London — Sat, 07 Nov 2020 18:26:14 -0500

Short answer: you can't. It is impossible to "prove" a negative when it comes to mental health. You can, however, cast significant doubt on it by how you have performed, what your chain of command has to say, and how you present yourself to the board.
Chances are none of the personnel on the board will know anything about you beyond what is in your file. If your record is clean, your CO indicates that you have not been a problem child, and you appear squared away both in appearance and bearing, there should be no issue.
Please note that if the second diagnosis was given by a civilian doctor then that will not be in your record automatically. In that case, see JAG about having the second diagnosis formally entered into your record and prepare to be poked, prodded and re-examined. In addition to your ability to do your job, the PEB will be very concerned that you may be a danger to yourself or others. How they perceive you at the board -- combined with your official record -- will have a lot of influence on their decision.
Misdiagnoses are not uncommon but they are an absolute pain to get sorted out. Keep your head together, maintain an even strain and remember that you are NOT the problem here.
Speak to JAG immediately to find out how this process works and what rights (if any) you have.
Present yourself to the board in a professional, business-like manner. Ensure your appearance is squared away and do not take your emotions into the room with you. Answer all of their questions honestly, without sugar coating or embellishment and avoid at all costs the mistake of painting the first psych in a bad light. Stick to your guns that you are not bipolar and that the original diagnosis must have been made in error. It will help a great deal if you have been squared away with your unit and have not had an "incident" since the original diagnosis.
I hope this helps.

Response by SMSgt Bob W. made Nov 8 at 2020 12:13 AM

SMSgt Bob W. — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 00:13:48 -0500

Not enough information; however, you said the first psychiatrist asked you two question and made a diagnosis--this is ridiculous. Where test administrated? The last psychiatrist, was you referred to them by the military [if so, the diagnosis should be in your medical records] IF NOT, get a copy of the evaluation and present it as evidence you are NOT bipolar. The sound like a Catch-22. Best of luck with you issues; hope you are successful.

Response by Lt Col Jim Coe made Nov 8 at 2020 2:10 PM

Lt Col Jim Coe — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 14:10:56 -0500

Documentation is probably the key. Get the second psychologist to document her finding. If this is a board you meet in person, present the evidence in person. You were probably suffering from Post-partum depression after birth of daughter. Happens to new Moms all the time.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2020 5:09 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 17:09:32 -0500

I would seek several opinions that say you are not bipolar to submit. Holding feelings in is more dangerous then letting them out. If they insist accuse them if sexism, cultural insensitivity and gender bias.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 8 at 2020 5:10 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 08 Nov 2020 17:10:19 -0500

was the doctor male