My husband is BP I, has been hospitalized but has had 10 + years of relative
stability. Certainly there have been highs and lows, but more similar to cyclothymia than the full blown mania/depression episodes. He is exploring the idea of reducing/going off of lithium. He is 50, had his first major episode at 17, had significant cycling in his 20's and mid 30's including job loss, suicidal issues, schizophrenia overlays, but his last really major incident was probably 14 years ago.