I think keeping mood charts can be helpful in figuring out if you have ups and downs, how long they last, if there are triggers, etc. Have you tried that? I'd say one of the distinctive features of Bipolar I is the length of the manic episodes.

I'm not sure what you mean. Isn't your T a mental health provider?

If your T will not base his treatment plan on a diagnosis, how will having one help him or you? What would you like to get out of having a diagnosis?