I know of one person who was dx with BP for a few months only to find out a few months later it was PTSD so yes a misdiagnosis can occur. I don't know how common it is, but it did happen to someone I know and that's pretty close to home for me.

Thanks for the comment, I am going to ask about this at my next pdoc appt. Because this is really coming more clear as I work through some things.

I'm sure that is possible. I have been diagnosed with both. In my case the trauma occurred during formative childhood years, so the PTSD symptoms manifested first. Hyper vigilance, avoidance, depression & panic attacks got really bad in adolescence which forced me to first see the pdocs. Then in my late twenties the bipolar symptoms started really showing up, particularly the mania & insomnia & I was officially diagnosed in June. Also there is a strong family history of bipolar. For me personally, the PTSD responds better to therapy while the bipolar has to be medicated. I understand everyone is different, but I hope this helps. Also see this:

http://www.bipolarworld.net/Phelps/ph_2002/ph836.htm

I am also confused on this issue arlene, as it applies to my 18 yr old daughter who was dx bipolar 3 yrs. ago. When I asked her doc she said that BP people often have trauma responses due to things that happened to them when they were manic. This makes sense for my daughter. She got herself into some very scary situations when she was newly hormonal and manic (think internet, older man etc.) She also hears voices..which can go along with either diagnosis.

But in the end, her doc says and I agree, the idea is to get stable. The right meds (esp. Lamictal) and a great therapist have really helped her. I wish the same for you!!
BTW, I'd be interested in what your doc says if you feel like sharing.

I know that my past trama affect my BP. I know I suffer from BP because my meds HELP me live... but definantly my other mental problems definantly help control/affect my bp. Does that make sence?