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There is a condition that is medical/organic that gives symptoms resembling mental illness.

It is called Pyroluria.

http://www.drkaslow.com/html/pyroluria.html

What happens in essence is that a genetic flaw in processing heme (from hemoglobin) results in pyrroles being formed by the liver (these do not cause problems by themselves). However the pyrroles complex Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and zinc in the blood and remove them. The result is a disruption of many metabolic actions we need to live normally, including neurotransmitter synthesis.

There is a urine test for this, and when positive high doses of both nutrients can return the person to normal functions.

http://www.kryptopyrrole.com/

Over the years I have seen some people on forums test positive for this, and have been corrected with treatment, and now lead normal lives. Pyroluria may cycle, and stress may provoke it with some resting times in between.

Doctors who deal with Autism called DAN doctors often treat this condition too. It is important to have blood work done to see if copper levels are normal with the high dose zinc given. Some doctors give the copper too, for this reason. Zinc in high doses blocks absorption of copper over time. The blood work is called a zinc/copper ratio.

I would suggest you read up on this, and consider it. Fixing it is easy and inexpensive, and does not require the sedating drugs that are often used for bipolar patients.

Mainstream doctors are not trained in this disorder in US. So you will not find help from them. DAN doctors, or those who know about the Pfeiffer Institute are the ones who understand this. Europe, also for example, has treatments more available for years now. US is just hesitant and centrally focused on drugs, for ALL people with emotional problems. (a cultural thing).

This is a link to help find a DAN doctor near you:
http://www.autism.com/pro_danlists_us.asp

Here is a link to a friend of mine, who found Pyroluria in her daughter (finally after much searching).
http://sites.google.com/site/jccglutenfree/pyroluria

She posts here sometimes, also on our Gluten intolerance forum. But that website of hers is very good, so please take a look at it.

Pyroluria is genetic and does not "go away". It can be managed however. It can cycle, and often stress will provoke it. But it may just cycle on its own depending on what the person is eating or taking at the time. So it may be difficult to pin down, and easily confused with Bipolar illness.