I wasn't thinking about others' response, Payne, when I was having my ranting pity party yesterday. I'm so sorry I caught you in my crossfire. I search the lit and found this:

Joseph F Goldberg, MD replied to jevans14311's response:
Dear jevans14311,

There is no universal answer to predicting the course of bipolar disorder. Individuals vary greatly. Someone who has had many episodes that have been poorly controlled probably will continue to have many episodes. Someone with concurrent problems like drug or alcohol abuse or anxiety or personality disorders will likely have more long-term problems than someone without those additional problems. Someone who finds a helpful medicine regimen and stays with it will likely fare better than someone who takes medicines erratically. Someone who has had onset after age 25 typically will fare better in the long term than someone with earlier onset. Many factors bear on gauging the long-term course of a given individual and it's hard to make generalizations. Bipolar disorder does not "automatically" worsen over time if well-managed.

Dr. G. "Does bipolar get worse as we age?": Bipolar Disorder Community - Support Group

What I didn't mention is that I have family history of depression/suicide, alcohol/drug addiction, dimension, my own alcoholism, and all 4 genetic markers for Alzheimer's.

What I ought to have said was that, given my family and personal medical history, the doctors have urged me to make arrangements now for excellent, longterm care because the prognosis is that I will need it for a long time.

But that's me. My situation is unique, so the vast majority of you folks out there don't have the same mix. sorry if I shook up any one.

(((((((Payne )))))))
Roadie