It sounds a lot like mixed state which is what I have. Mine comes at me quickly and leaves quickly, only to come back quickly. Even though you've never had a true manic episode doesn't mean there's nothing there. I can go four or five days on hypomania and buzz around fixing and solving everything and then plotz for three days.

Keep in mind that there are all sorts of iterations of BP and people might quibble over details. There might be other diagnoses like BPD that might fit or some small wrinkle of a diagnosis. There's no pathology we can use. I simply took my diagnosis and went with it.....not sure of everything or even what it means. For example, my doc said I was a "rapid cycler" but that seems to apply more to people who have BP II. I'm close, but not quite BP II.......so he says. He also said he thinks I have "intermittent explosive disorder" but that could simply be part of my BP mixed state.

Anyway, I had ZERO understanding of BP until my doctor told me about it. But I'm not a doctor, he's the pro. I knew I had some issues and the treatment seems to be working.