In bipolar disorder, it is theorized that initial episodes are likely triggered by major life events that cause the brain to become overly sensitive to electrical stimulation. Successive episodes grow increasingly more autonomous due to neuronal misfiring. Which term represents this concept?

Choice A reason: GABA deregulation refers to disruptions in inhibitory neurotransmission, which may contribute to bipolar symptoms but does not specifically explain the progressive sensitization seen with repeated episodes. Choice B reason: Kindling describes the process by which repeated subthreshold stimulation of neurons eventually leads to spontaneous, autonomous activity. In bipolar disorder, initial episodes are triggered by stressors, but later episodes may occur with decreasing external provocation, reflecting the kindling phenomenon. Choice C reason: Genetic loading refers to inherited susceptibility to bipolar disorder but does not account for the progressive, self-propagating nature of episodes. Choice D reason: Voltage-gated channel abnormalities may play a role in neuronal excitability but do not specifically describe the phenomenon of progressive autonomy in episode recurrence seen in bipolar disorder.