It's hard to give a clear-cut 'yes' or 'no' answer to this question. Generally speaking Bipolar Disorder is a condition that develops (typically) in our late teens and stays with us until the end of our lives (unlike depression which can be totally cured with the correct help in most cases).

However, even though Bipolar Disorder is a life-long condition, with the correct treatment (a combination of therapy, medication (antipsychotic; antidepressant; mood stabilizer) and community support) a productive and enjoyable life can be led. Symptoms can be controlled in many cases and even though symptoms may still be present: with the correct monitoring and treatment, they are typically experienced to a much lower severity.

Even without treatment during the cycle of bipolar disorder we have a moment between the depressive and hypomanic (typical Bipolar II)/manic (typical Bipolar I) in which for up to a few months we experience a "normal" (more appropriately, "typical") mood. So during those periods patients can be almost completely symptom-free.

Rapid Cycling is when this "normal" period does not exist between episodes, and shifts between moods happen on a more frequent basis than is typically expected.

Obviously it is important to point out that in a small amount of cases with the correct treatment in place a relapse into either a depressive or elated mood can occur. Though in the majority of cases, with enough monitoring of the disorder in the patient and correct treatment, a reasonably symptom-free life can be lead - though it is still important to avoid any identified triggers of an episode (for example: caffeine for a manic episode or lack of sleep for a depressive episode).

Everybody is different and medications, therapy and the disorder itself affects all in different ways.

Just a few statistics...

"Success rates of 70 to 85% were once expected with lithium for the acute phase treatment of mania, however, lithium response rates of only 40 to 50% are now commonplace. (Surgeon General Report for Mental Health)"

"Nearly 9 out of 10 consumers with bipolar disorder are satisfied with their current medication(s), although side effects remain a problem. (DBSA, 1999)"

"Consumers who report high levels of satisfaction with their treatment and treatment provider have a much more positive outlook about their illness and their ability to cope with it. (DBSA, 1999)"

Taken from DBSA

RB ♥