I was diagnosed Bipolar NOS (not otherwise specified) at age 53, and Bipolar 1 at 55. I've probably had it all my life, though I don't remember any manic episodes until my early 20s. What got my attention was the manic episode I had thanks to Wellbutrin, well, I didn't recognize it for what it was but my primary care doctor knew something was really wrong. I was livid when he referred me to a psychiatrist friend of his, but I had no choice as he refused to prescribe me any more antidepressants until I was evaluated properly.

It took that pdoc all of 90 minutes to diagnose me. I was in the middle of a bad depression at the time, but after he'd heard me describe my "up" periods he said what I had was bipolar, he just didn't know what "flavor" I had yet. That happened a couple of years later when I was hospitalized, and my status changed to BP 1. I wanted to fight it at first but eventually realized it was the correct diagnosis, and I've since been diagnosed with it three more times.

I wish I didn't have this, but in my older age I understand that it is only one part of my life, it doesn't rule me. It took a while to get the medication regimen right, but it's as perfect now as it's ever going to be and I've been stable for much of the past few years.

Welcome to PC! I hope you get a lot out of this forum. We get along pretty well and the support is excellent.