There are factors in depression that don't involve BP but it's not practical to think that "up times" are "just you". I've used lithium as a stabilizer for over 30 years. It controls my mania but does nothing for depression. The fact that using prozac results in lifting of depression indicates that you're BP. (as far as I know) The best person to discuss this with is your doctor.

I would really talk to your doctor about it. You can always ask them to re-evaluate your situation. Tell them your concerns that you feel you might just have a depression problem and possibly not be BP. They can help you figure it out probobly better than we can.

Its my understaning that mood stabilsers are not antidepresants.

You can have bp and never have a manic episode there is a group that is mainly just depressed all the time or constantly in and out of depresion with only one hypomanic episode in your lifetime, wich you may not have even recognized.

Bi polar II disorder is something you should read about on Wikipedia it is what I am talking about.

I am not a doctor so I will not speak on that but I will speak on my opinion of diagnosisng bp. My first doctor spoke with me ten minutes gave me a paper and I had to answer these questions. Well yes I came back bp, But aren't women notoriously known for being moody in the first place, then wouldn't all women have bp. I believe a doctor that sees you for 15 minutes then diagnosises is a fraud....My second doctor I was weekly for over two months before he gave me a diagnosis I spend 15-30 minutes with him at each visit, filled out mood charts and journaled. I finally got my diagnosis of schitzoeffective with bp1. He spent time to see the swings the charactistics those are the doctors I like.

I know how you feel. Dr. said I am BIpolar 2,( 2 months) ago, at that time, I am extreme anxious and depressed. Dr. said since I am Bipolar 1, she couldn't give me antidepressant drug, b/c it will trigger mania . she gave Xyprexa to help my anxiety, and increased my appetite, then after one week, she added lithium, then after 2 weeks, she added Paxil , b/c I was very depressed. but none of those 3 drugs help my depression. and Paxil & lithium comined together, caused me severe side effect. headache, ear ringing. jaw pain, joint pain. tongue, I complained to Dr. Dr. she said nothing. then I just stopped all the drugs one month ago. next week I will see another dr. ask for second opinion. the reason Dr. said I am bipolar @, b/c I talk fast, but that's me, then she said I have racing thought, b/c I jumped one subject to another. but all I wanted is to tell her what caused my depression & anxiety in short one hour. anyway, If second Dr. said I am bipolar 2. then I need to accpet the fact that I can only take mood stablizer for depression which I afraid there will be not help! :(

I take Abilify for to keep me stable and out of the manic state. Then I take Wellbutrin to keep me out of the depressive state. As your doctor for another medication specifically for depression.

This is an oldish post but wanted to say thanks for comments....i will take your good advice/

You can be bp and not have as many manic episondes. It all depends on how you are thinking.