How many of you actually meet the FULL criteria for BP-1 or BP-2?

I have Bipolar 1. Oh boy I do! No mistake about it.

I've had 2 full-blown manic episodes, one recent for 3 years with one period of depression after the first year. Then it was flying high with nothing but mania for 2 more years. Since then, I have had one mixed episode, a depression or two - still working on my morning depression. I've had several hypo-manics and 2 halfway between the latter and a true manic. Like, I bought a car I didn't want and which did not fit my budget. I guess that's what we do when we get manic, no matter whether we are BP1, BP2, or NOS, etc.

Interesting thread. Thanks for posting it.

I am full blown BP-1. I haven't met anyone with BP at all. My old boss, who now we both work for the same company now, told me that she has axanity. Hard to meet someone who understands what we go through

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Bipolar 2 everything but the drug and alcohol abuse plus some things not really recognized. I don't think the dsm recognizes mixed episodes for bipolar 2 but I get them all the same. I also think I may have had some delusions last fall. I thought I was being possessed by demons. So delusions can happen with bp2 as well.

All I can say is, reading that entry on BPII was really discouraging even though I don't fit it 100%.

According to my pdoc it is BP II. My primary issue is definitely depression, with some hypomanic episodes. In the research that I've done I feel that this is a valid diagnosis, along with my diagnosis of MDD. As far as I know he hasn't changed my diagnosis. As far as believing it or not, it's taken some time, but I am starting to think he's right. Go figure.

I meet every qualification of BP2 except irritability when mixed or hypo. I just don't get irritated very easily. My pdoc was really hung up on it for awhile, insisted I couldn't be BP because I am not irritable.

I`ve also been diagnosed as bipolar 2.I do tend to get irritated a lot..I`ve been going through the depression part right now.

I don't fit the criteria nearly at all for bipolar 2. That's why it took 7 years for me to be diagnosed even though I went to therapy weekly with several therapists and had regular psychiatrist appointments and med changes. My bipolar is NEVER separate depressed or hypomanic episodes. None of my providers - even the really good ones - saw the bipolar.

I am ALWAYS mixed. When I have symptoms (which is at least 75% of the time), I ALWAYS have both depressive and agitated symptoms. It's agitated depression ALWAYS.

My hypomania doesn't look like wild spending sprees, indiscriminate sex, or sleeping three hours a night. I've been on sleeping medication for 8 years, so I sleep enough. I grew up in a really conservative religious environment (and I'm glad about that) that meant that I never turned to drugs, sex, or other vices as coping strategies. The downside is that I don't have those coping strategies, so my brain very quickly goes to suicide as the best means to relief. My hypomania is not euphoric.

My hypomania is anxiety & panic, irritability, and insomnia.

Well, I've always thought I was a "squishy" Bipolar 1, but three different mental health professionals have diagnosed me with it and been very sure it's the appropriate dx for me. I guess having had a couple of full-blown manic episodes and psychosis during both mania and depression meets the criteria.

Yup, Bipolar 1 with psychotic episodes. No offense to you lovely folks...but I'd not be here if I didn't have it lol