Also, you can be dxed with bipolar 1 WITHOUT HAVING A FULL BLOWN MANIC EPISODE. I have bipolar 1, as I had delusional thinking, paranoia, mixed episodes, but I only had hypo mania. Right now I am dxed as bp 1 mixed-moderate (296.62). I've been having some trouble with mood since an overdose 2 1/2 yrs. ago.

I take Abilify (which really helped with the delusional thinking & paranoia), Lamictal, Trazodone, Topamax, Klonopin & Provigil. My mother had a severe case of bipolar & was not able to be helped & committed suicide when I was 15. I have had some suicide attempts myself, the last one 2 1/2 yrs. ago so I also do indiv. therapy & dialectical behavioral therapy (which is helping immensely).

I'm grateful for all the medications & treatments available today. I think if they were available in my mother's day, she might have been able to be helped. I'm confident I will be returned to a stable mood eventually.--Suzy