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Neurochemical Factors in Bipolar Disorder. Bipolar disorder is primarily a biological disorder that occurs in a specific area of the brain and is due to the dysfunction of certain neurotransmitters, or chemical messengers, in the brain.nvironmental Factors in Bipolar Disorder. 1  A life event may trigger a mood episode in a person with a genetic disposition for bipolar disorder. 2  Even without clear genetic factors, altered health habits, alcohol or drug abuse, or hormonal problems can trigger an episode.
Experts believe bipolar disorder is partly caused by an underlying problem with specific brain circuits and the balance of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. Three brain chemicals -- noradrenaline (norepinephrine), serotonin, and dopamine -- are involved in both brain and bodily functions.Noradrenaline and serotonin have been consistently linked to psychiatric mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.Dopamine is commonly linked with the pleasure system of the brain.he researchers found that 40% of the 47 first-degree relatives of the bipolar II patients also had bipolar II disorder; 22% of the 219 first-degree relatives of the bipolar I patients had bipolar II disorder. However, among patients with bipolar II, researchers found only one relative with bipolar I disorder.