My bipolar has become worse with age too. I am 38 and I have been hospitalised 3 times in the last 12 months alone due to horror mixed episodes. I was wild and out of control in my teens though and medication and other treatment has now given me more stable times but I cannot imagine being symptom free for years or being able to come off the meds anytime soon. It is a depressing state of affairs. I guess I am more in control now for most of the time. That has to be a positive.