Hi thebigfoot and welcome. We really can't diagnose here, but if you think he's wrong, you should get a second (or even third) opinion from evaluation with professionals of psychological specialty. (That's important. One should not look to their GP for significant psychological issues. They simply do not have the training in this complex field.)

In order to make a diagnosis... One does not have to have every single symptom of a disorder, but there should be a goodly number of criteria met (ie. not just one or two symptoms) and that those symptoms cause significant problems in one's functioning in life. These are both essential for proper diagnosis.

From what you describe it'd be hard to say. Big swings in energy can be a good indicator, but they're only part of the picture.

You ask about our personal experience. I've got BP II dx. Unfortunately with across-the-board symptoms -- BUT-- to varying degrees and not necessarily uniform -- in combination, manifestation or intensity -- from episode to episode. "Typical" can be a tricky word. That said, major energy shift is pretty much a given for me. To give examples of how I've experienced the various symptoms would make a book. I'll spare you. )

Totally agree. To define it too broadly is a disservice both to those that have it and those who don't.