Do I Have To Give My Doctors Personal/Medical Information About Me And My Family Members?
Dr. Coffey answers the question: 'Giving Out Personal Info About My Past?'
— -- Question: Do I have to give my doctors personal/medical information about me and my family members?
Answer: The proper diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and in turn it's proper treatment, are critically dependant on the physician obtaining an accurate and detailed personal history. This history can give us information about what triggers episodes, as well as information about what makes those episodes better.
A family history is also important because it may reveal important genetic links to the illness. The patient can be assured that any such information revealed to the physician is always kept in the strictest confidence.
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