I am bipolar 1, but that's only because I stayed awake for about 7 days one time (not a wink of sleep). I did not feel good; in fact I felt terrible and was extremely anxious and angry and contemplating the S word. I finally checked myself into hospital and told the psychiatrist about all of it and she said bipolar 1 . So evidently you do not have to be a "classic" case of euphoric mania or psychotic mania to get the BP1 diagnosis.

However, there's been a few times where I do get a jolt of hypomania that lasts maybe a week. During these periods I feel really good and energetic. But I would not call it full blown mania as I never lose control. I don't go spending or having indiscriminate sex (I wish) or believing I have special powers. It's really bipolar 2 style hypomania.

Thus I've always been confused as to what I really have. My illness progression feels more like bipolar 2, but according to the DSM all you need is one episode in your life of mania to be diagnosed BP1. During my most recent stint in the hospital I had a young hotshot doctor who graduated Ivy League. She told me "I read your chart and I agree with the other docs that you are BP1." She has actually published papers on how to diagnose illnesses properly so this is in her wheelhouse. I guess I have to accept it.

All I know is my episodes typically include lots of anxiety and restlessness. It's extremely hard to get me to sleep even with sleeping pills. The only thing that works is a shot of a powerful AP like Zyprexa. That stuff calms me right down. It's pure bliss, but it's not a drug to be on long term unless you want to be a star on "my 600 pound life."

But to answer your question, my episodes typically start with anxiety attacks that just stay with me over a period of days or weeks. My mind goes into overdrive and I can't shut it down. From there the bad thoughts work their way in. I suppose you'd call it a mixed state. That's how I experience "mania." Lots of anxiety, restlessness and intrusive thoughts. No psychosis at all though.