“We know that many people with bipolar disorder, for instance — a serious, lifetime condition — do very well after treatment, and end up in creative jobs,” said Sheri Johnson, director of the mania program at the University of California, Berkeley. “But we can’t predict who. So it would be very important to have this kind of information, to know more about that group. Imagine if doctors could give you some sense of what’s possible.”

This is from an article in the NYT about how little is known about those who have recovered from depression (not BP specifically). But I found the quote hopeful. According to experts, it is possible to experience stability between episodes. At least after one has found the right treatment. My old pdoc, at the Stanford Bipolar Clinic, told me that she had 'plenty' of patients who had been stable for at least 10 years. Hope is there...

However I do NOT like the stereotype she perpetuates of those with BP being creative. Many are not, much less end up in creative careers.