I hate to say this, Dave, but bipolar disorder has become the “designer affective mental illness” of the New Millenium. Everywhere I turn, there’s an ad for Ablify or Seroquel. In the wrong hands, these anti-psychotics can wreak a lot of havoc. I had my shrink prescribe Seroquel because of the lawsuit against Zyprexa. She gradually weaned me off the Zyprexa and increased Seroquel until all I was taking was the Seroquel. Shortly thereafter, I became heavily sedated, and wouldn’t wake up until about between 2-5 in the afternoon, not being able to function enough to do laundry for 3 weeks, or even keep the kitty litter pan clean. I went to my GP and he ran a battery of tests. Finding nothing physically wrong, and not being depressed, I finally went back to my shrink. She said it had been found that Seroquel could sometimes “drain” people – and that’s exactly what happened to me – it lasted 3 months! She switched me back to Zyprexa, which still remains my drug of choice. I urge other bipolars to work closely with their psychiatrists or therapists to monitor their meds when there is a new symptom; it was almost too late for me. As far as being the “designer” disease now, more people are being mis-diagnosed just to please the big drug companies and to fill their multimillion-dollar coffers. Although it’s still being diagnosed as “manic depression,” I’m afraid that many people who fall into this category may not be true bipolars. Bear in mind that anti-psychotics are nothing to be played with; especially with young people. There is even a “black box” that warns against increased suicidal thoughts and actions among the tweenagers and teenagers who are prescribed these drugs. Take heed, fellow bipolars. The moods we experience are REAL, and if we just take our meds as scheduled, and utilize cognitive therapy, we CAN become highly-functional people who on the outside appear “normal.” As my therapist even said, “You ARE normal, EXCEPT when you have an episode.” Take heart at this – I did. And now I’m happier with myself, and my interpersonal relationships are better with this knowledge. You can’t be cured – but, you CAN be happy 🙂