Regarding this confusion, my pdoc says it is difficult to diagnose bipolar, and often takes a while for folks to get a correct diagnosis, because we are less likely to go to the doctor when we're manic and feeling good -- or overly good. But we do go when we are depressed.

I haven't taken Lithium, but I've been on many other anticonvulsants. Trying these made my life much more stable and manageable. To say it changed my life for the better is a vast understatement.

Best of luck!