In the book you mentioned, Surviving..., do they have a large section on mixed or only p38-40? I will order it if it has a large section on mixed. I just received a very technical book entirely about mixed states, rapid cycling and atypical forms of bipolar. This was written by pdocs for pdocs. It is heavy going but I’m glad to have it. Haven’t plowed thru the section on treatment yet. I’m still in pursuit of finding the right mix of meds for me. I have been stable for long periods of time.
I most adamantly do not agree that very rapid cycling is due to personality. To me that is like saying that alcoholism is due to personality. Did you mean ability to apply coping skills? Yes, that is hugely important.
I think the DSM has great limitations but they have to have something Like that. Think of it as a work in progress.
Thanks so much for this discussion. I no longer feel like I am wandering so alone in the wilderness of mixed episodes. So glad people are starting to discuss this. Message me, friend me, great!