usbusi: I was diagnosed by a really good clinic that did an extensive computer evaluation followed by a discussion with a psych. I don't think there was much doubt at the time and my current pdoc agrees with the diagnosis. It's not really rational to think I'm not BP but I still do. Maybe I answered the questions wrong or maybe the behaviours were actually normal not abnormal. It all gets so blurry when it was so long ago...

Clinte: totally get you on the short manias - the problem with BP II and rapid cycling. Apparently you are meant to have a history of at least one hypomania of at least 4 days for diagnosis as BP II but like you say if the meds help the depression... so idk either. Meds have helped my depression too which was treatment resistant to just antidepressants alone.

BP Nurse: sorry that you have gotten worse with age and are struggling at the moment. hope you can get things under control soon. That's what I'd always heard too - untreated BP gets worse with age.... kindling theory and all...

Thanks all for your responses...