There is not much I can tell you about the biological components of bi-polar mood disorder. I do know it is heridetary, not necessarily due to life stresses. It has to do with neuro transmitters, serotinin, and dopramine in the brain synapses. The psychological effects are rapid recycling, racing thoughts, and swings between two poles, highs to lows within minutes, hours or days. The social aspects can be fainting, isolation, insomina, anxiety, and agoraphobia. The psychological and social symptoms somewhat over lap. Bi-polar disorder is treatable. If a patient is not on the right combination of meds or goes untreated there is a possibility of suicide. I hope this helps.

Bipolar disorder is thought to be caused a combination of genetic predispositionand life experience. Although more emphasis tends to be placed on the genetic component, bipolar disorder isn't hereditary per se. Rather the probability that it will develop in someone with a family history is observed to increase. As Snooty says, neurotransmitters are heavily involved in bipolar disorder as with other affective (mood) disorders. There are many such chemical messengers which have an effect on a person's mood and their role in bipolar disorder is not entirely understood yet. Particulary significant, however, are the neurotransmitters serotonin, noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and gamma amino butyric acid (GABA). Simply put low serotonin and noradrenaline will lead to depression, high levels of these can lead to mania. I'm not entirely certain about the role of GABA. Looking for information on these chemicals and on neurotransmitters and mood generally may be of help to you. The heavy influence of these chemicals is the reason that the mainstay of treatment for bipolar disorder is pharmacological or drug based. Psychologically, BP tends to manifest itself as a combination of extreme highs- hypomanias or manias and extreme lows or depressions. There are also affective states in between such as the mixed state or the agitated depression which has combinations of both mania and depression. BP sufferers often, although by no means always, have low self esteem or general confidence. They may exhibit social phobias or find it difficult to fit in with people or function in a working environment. Discrimination and prejudice often adds to the social strains associated with this illness. The interplay between social biological and psychological aspects of a person's life and experience can also been seen in high rates of co-morbidity with bipolar sufferers often also suffering from other illness or conditions such as eating disorders, chronic insomnia, panick attacks, high blood pressure etc. Indeed it can be difficult to distinguish between symptoms of the illness, "normal" emotions and psychological, social (and sometimes physiological) problems that develop as a result of the experience of having the illness.

biologically, there is a chemical imbalance in the brain, sometimes caused by a traumatic upbringing, and sometimes by the person being torn psychologically between 2 opposites, such as warring parents, or an upper class upbringing versus lower class. It can result from nutritional deficiences, especially the B vitamins. Amino acid supplements can help , such as taurine. Bipolars tend not to sleep for several days at a time and turn morning into night. They can get verbally abusive and verbally attack without any real provocation. They can be very critical and demeaning. They have periods of grandiosity and think they know everything and if you disagree with them, they get angry. They have what seems to be like different personalities, depending on their mood. Some are very sexually promiscuous, and some take many risks, such as going out and buying a cadillac for no reason, or spending too much money. They need alot of understanding and love. They are not able to argue, without getting traumatized. They can become more bipolar from stress, lack of sleep, lack of nutrition. Seafood, such as tuna, salmon, etc., if eaten at least 3 times a week helps. Also, avoid alcohol. There are other natural cures to try. They also seem to be quite self-centered. However, through it all, they mainain their core personality. It is 10% inherited. And they can commit suicide.