Thanks for your interesting question. Bipolar Disorder is diagnosed when a person manifests with manic episodes or hypomanic episodes. A manic episode is a period of persistently elevated or irritable mood during which the person has decreased sleep (usually because of too much energy or a decreased need for sleep), rapid/pressured/loud speech, racing thoughts, easily distractibility, increase in goal-directed behavior, and possibly increase in potentially harmful behavior (like driving recklessly, promiscuous sex,etc). Often the person feels grandiose, powerful or very happy or elevated. If the episode lasts a week or more, or if the episode causes the person to go to the hospital, then it is deemed a manic episode. If it lasts only 4 to 6 days and does not require a hospital visit, then it is deemed hypomanic. So if you have repeated manic or hypomanic episodes, then it is quite likely you have a bipolar disorder of some kind. Consult a mental health professional, the best is a psychiatrist who can assess you for both medication and psychotherapy, if these type of episodes are occurring. Best of luck with this important issue! J. Clive Spiegel M.D.