I think I've been bipolar since my teens, but wasn't diagnosed until age 53. That means I went a long, long time without treatment or on the wrong treatment (antidepressants). Finally everything came to a head 2 1/2 years ago and I was diagnosed as Bipolar NOS and put on meds. My symptoms continued to progress and recently I picked up the diagnosis of Bipolar 1 with severe depression. I've been hospitalized and had countless med changes; we'll see how the newest ones hold up.

But yes, in my case bipolar has gotten worse as I've aged. It's not everyone's experience but it's been mine.