I just wanted to say from my personal experience as far as the bipolar getting worse as you get older (I'm 55--bipolar 1--had my first suicide attempt at 15--mother bipolar as well and did commit suicide after many attempts when I was 15, but they didn't have the many treatments available that they do today) I have been on 7 medications for the last 12 yrs. to maintain stability.

I was a mess. Mixed state with strong suicidal thoughts. Was stable for a long period of time & then went through a hypo mania for 5 mos. that I didn't report to my provider as it felt wonderful & I don't know it was dangerous. suddenly I crashed. I had been sleeping only 2-3 hrs. a night for the 5 mos. & my husband made a critical remark & I plunged into the suicidal thoughts & acted on them & he found me comatose & I ended up in the ER.

So for 2 yrs. after that I was in a mixed state--meds being readjusted.

The biggest help for me was the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. I have the dx i starting that about a yr. ago I have not had to take the sedating meds

However, I took Xanax or Klonokin for well or 20 yrs.without increasint he dosage or demand & I think most people who are on it are the same./ We are not addicts or drug dealers & should not be treated with suspiciosn.