I had a few doctors and therapists weigh in. All of them said bipolar I due to the extreme nature of the mania. I suffered heavy psychosis, so I thought maybe it was schizophrenia at first. I didn't tell the doctors what the others had said. I just presented the symptoms and gave them my medical history.

I have a bipolar parent, so I'm fairly sure the diagnosis was correct. The meds are working. I don't really have any doubt now. I seem to have suffered a mixed episode with psychosis.

I don't see anything wrong with telling a new doctor you'd like to start fresh and present your symptoms without the history of your previous diagnosis. I think that is warranted especially if you doubt the outcome from your last doc. I don't see why that request would be a problem if you're honest about it.