I know mine can't. Lived that way for a very long time not knowing what was wrong with me, so it's not even as though I was consciously was doing it. The situation wasn't working though. Not at all. Once I knew, it was better in some ways -- like understanding much of the past, but understanding didn't change the fact that I had it and it was controlling me. First time at the P-docs, even knowing it, I didn't want to do meds(!)(At the heart of it, I was afraid they wouldn't work.) So she had me take fish oil and calcium and stuff. So hoped that would work. Didn't touch the BP. A later appt. I was in the midst of a very up and long-lasting hypomania. Guess who was resistant then as well? (Classic, eh? ) While I acknowledged that I probably should, I sure as hell didn't want to do it *then*! She said, ok then, call me when you're ready. Because she knew. Sure enough, the crash came and I was desperately scrambling. Had insurance at the time, but there were issues (as in a coverage gap...it was "supposed" to reinstate, but they dragged their heels for over a month before it actually reinstated). NOT fun. Add the ramp up time for the meds to start working and it was pretty damn ugly. When they did, it took some adjustment, which seems weird, but being somewhat "normal" took some getting used to. But it was a sweet sweet thing, and I'll never go without again if I can help it. (Not to say I didn't mess with them and try lowering the dosage --unsupervised, mind you...I did mention "classic" though, right? because things were going so well. Soooo didn't work. I "get it" now.)

Of course, everyone is different and it may work for some cases. I don't know. But I also have a very strong suspicion that many times people who do think it's working are simply in remission, you know? Time will tell.