This explains the basic idea of kindling effect in Bipolar.

It explains that the kindling model began with epilepsy. It goes on to explain that "Using the kindling effect analogy of a kindling log, for the person with Bipolar Disorder, this will be like the log that becomes so easy-to-light that eventually it will light without help—in other words, the episodes of the bipolar person will become like the fire that is already burning is harder to put out." I find this a little scary. I mean if eventually I have episodes without triggers because my brain has become so sensitized that episodes increase in frequency and worsen as time goes by...well, that means I have far less control. And that is terrifying. I like to at least think managing my triggers will help me--short-term and long-term.

However, there is this key point: "...the kindling effect on Bipolar Disorder is a new phenomenon, [and] it bears further scrutiny."