Anika, I've been on meds for over 20 years and have tweaked them for that long. I also have rapid-cycling BP type 1, my psychosis is paranoia. Whenever a symptom worsens, I have a med adjusted. By now I can determine for myself how much of a mood swing I will tolerate and call myself stable. I don't believe that BP 1 can achieve a straight-line type of stability, and I don't really want to if the straight line means I've got to be zombie-like to do it. I'd rather endure the mild fluctuations and still experience some emotions and energy.

I attribute alot of my stability to good habits, too...mainly exercise.

I'm doing great on Lamotrigine, Abilify and recently added buproprion for a persistent mild depression. I expected this, since as we get older the depressive episodes become longer, and manic phases fewer.