This may sound weird del, but if you are a BPI this may be a blessing as it is probably the most treatable of major mental illnesses. As severe as your moodswings are, if you are one of the fortunate ones whose body can handle lithium, you may find that the simple salt lithium will stabilize your moods well. 30 years ago I was in and out of the hospital with major depressive and psychotic manic episodes. I prolonged this agony by resisting my diagnosis as an arrogant young man. When my son was born and I found myself in the state institution I vowed to do whatever it took to stay out. I began to become compliant with my lithium. I keep my serum lithium around .7 (sorry, forgot my daily dosage) which is considered a low lithium level and I have not had a major manic or depressed episode in 30 years. I get dysthymic and a little hypomanic every now and then but can manage these moods usually by just taking better care of myself and maybe an Ambien to help me get a good night's sleep. Maybe lithium alone will not be the answer for you and thank God there are many other options. But since you originally asked about lithium I just want to say that form me, since I see so any people struggling with their meds, I feel actually fortunate that I am Bipolar I and that someone managed to get me to trust lithium.