I have never heard of elation as a defense mechanism before. But, I don't experience elation any more. I used to when I was a teen into young adulthood, but my mania has become dysphoric.
I personally believe that genetic disposition is common, but that's just me and I'm not a doctor or anything.
And you can have BPD and bipolar at the same time. There are quite a few members here who have that dx.
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