Hey. I'm in the UK and there's a growing movement of professionals who believe the whole "chemical imbalance" model is too simplistic to describe Bipolar Affective Disorder. There's hope now that some people may be able to learn to gain some control over their symptoms through Dialectical Behaviour Therapy or Cognitive Analytic Therapy, especially in cases where the Bipolar episodes seem to be triggered by life events or stresses. Obviously this approach may not work for everyone, but I found it hopeful when the clinical psychologist said that the drugs may not be for life.