There are various forms of it in varying intensity. Were you tested for any physical problems first or was it clear the problems you were having were primarily mental?

Yes, I have been diagnosed with a psychiatrist. He was very cautious about going from my depression/OCD to Bipolar/OCD, he had many medical checks done on me first.

I have had several manic episodes, one in particular in which all I could do was hold my head in my arms while my brain when crazy. I had hypersexual activity and it was very tough. I recently was manic for a couple of weeks in which my whole life was turned upside down. I didn't sleep but for a few hours each night, medication involved. I also when crazy a lot at work. My manic episodes really scare the hell out of me.

I have a very hard time keeping my anger in check. I can loose it easily if I am going manic at all. Then the depressive side, I do down. I go way down for most of my time. I have gone through so many different meds, including mood stabilizers, anti psychotics, and anti seizure meds. Most of my time is spent in depression. Is this usual?

I am just trying to understand my disorder that is all.

There has got to be a reason why the doctor dx you with bipolar I. You do sound like bipolar II but this is only from the extremely brief description you provided.

I am not sure why he decided to label me bipolar disorder 1? So it is hard for me to post the reason.

Like I said in my original question? With the exception of being hypomanic do all Bipolars have the exact same experience with manic episodes?

Some people I have talked to talk about a month of manic highs, does that include irratablility?

Or how about those that run off with another sexual partner? Is that normal, because I have never cheated on my wife? I have gotten into skirmishes with other woman and me trying to run off with them? But in those times I have been drunk.

Today, I am clean and sober and havn't tried to cheat on my wife since I have been sober, for the last many years.