Dear Maddiedeming,

Tell you what after reading you message you have certainly impressed me that you are a very intelligent and a girl who knows herself well.

You have posed a lot of questions. I am not a medical person but rather one with Bipolar Mixed States, which is stable at this present time.

Time periods for each phase of Bipolar would vary with the person. The DSM says for mania it needs to last at least 1 week, and for depression it needs to last at least 2 weeks.

What hypomania feels like? Well that was a big question for me too at the beginning of my diagnosis. The way I found what I now think is the answer was to read stories written by other people with Bipolar and visit Bipolar forums where suffers often give their symptoms and their medications. People do show their mania/hypomania, in difference ways.

As I have mixed states it was even more confusing to figue it out. You don't sound to me that you are mixed states.

I gather that you are well acquanted(sp) with the internet and will find what you want with Google searches.

In regard to the Lexapro it is not usually prescribed alone if the person has Bipolar as it can cause the person to go manic. Like wise stimulants ie dexamphetaime and Ritalin.

But being able to take it without say a manic or hypomanci episode comming on, does not mean that you do not have Bipolar Disorder.

Quoting you: "i believe i am experiencing hypomania, people frequently ask if i'm on drugs)"

Your quote above points to Bipolar, but I guess you know this.

What you write brings up the question "do you have Bipolar Disorder"? It is enough for me to suggest that you go and see and preferably a psychartist and have him assess you. For you may well have Bipolar Disorder.

Most of the recommendations (if not all) are that a person suffering from Bipolar should have medication. This is one reason why I would encouage you to get assessed.

Hope all is working out for you, and possibly you have the answer to your question now.

Best Wishes

JennyRobin