According to the DSM-IV, you only have to have experienced ONE actual Manic episode to be diagnosed with Bipolar 1.

To answer your question, for me, I am mostly depressed as well however, I have experienced at least 2 manic episodes. I've had probably 7 hypomanic times as well. I've experienced psychosis. Most of all, though, its been depression.

As a teenager, I was most always depressed. I don't remember if I had any hypomania but I know for sure I never had mania. When I turned 25, I had my first manic episode which resulted in a change of diagnosis from Major Depressive Disorder to Bipolar 1 with Psychotic Features.

I am currently on a mood stabilizer and an anti-depressant. I know for fact that without the mood stabilizer, the anti-depressant will cause me to become Manic.