Elevated dopamine levels (via GBR12909, reduction in DAT [dopamine transporter], CLOCK mutation, or summer-like photoperiods elevating TH [precursor to dopamine]) result in mania relevant behavior, with greater DAT selective recreating mania more closely. Combined inhibition of the norepinephrine transporter (NET) inhibition does not recreate mania behaviors in mice (or man), in activity or risk-taking. When winter-like photoperiod lengths are presented, rodents exhibit elevated corticotropin releasing factor (CRF), and exhibit depression-relevant behaviors, providing construct validity given the link of seasonality to exhibition of manic/depressive episodes in bipolar disorder patients. Italics indicate linkage to depression, not mania.