1. A N D H O W I T A F F E C T S S T U D E N T S I N T H E
C L A S S R O O M
BIPOLAR DISORDER

2. BIPOLAR DISORDER
May also be known as
Manic-Depressive illness.
Classified as a brain
disorder
There does not seem to
be one single cause of
this disease, but certain
factors work together to
induce bipolar disorder
(National Institute of Health)

3. BIPOLAR DISORDER
Possible Causes
Genetics
 Children more likely to be
diagnosed if parent or
sibling has illness
Brain Development
 Possible link to other
illnesses that show similar
symptoms
 Prefrontal cortex in adults
are smaller than those in
undiagnosed adults
(National Institute of Health)

4. BIPOLAR DISORDER
Signs and Symptoms
“Mood Episodes”
 Drastic change in
person’s normal behavior
and mood
 Two moods  Manic or
Depressive State
 Possible to show both
manic and depressive
behavior within one
mood period
(National Institute of Health)

5. BIPOLAR DISORDER
Depressive Episode
A period of being on
an extreme, unnatural
high
Feeling of restlessness
Impaired ability to
assess situations
Impulsive
May be distracted
easily
Manic Episode
A period of sadness and
hopelessness
Feeling of restlessness
May feel tired or lower
energy levels
Trouble concentrating
Thoughts of suicide
Eating and sleeping
habits may change
(National Institute of Health)

6. BIPOLAR DISORDER
Children and Teens
When the illness begins in
childhood it is called
early onset bipolar
disorder
Children and early teens
suffer a more severe form
of most symptoms found
in adults and older
teenagers
(National Institute of Health:
Children and Teens)

7. BIPOLAR DISORDER IN THE
CLASSROOM
Strategies
While bipolar disorder is a
very serious illness and
should be monitored by
experts in the medical
field, there are certain
strategies that teachers
may use to regulate their
student’s behavior
induced by the disorder.
Do not take their
moods, or changes in
moods, personally.
Depending on which
state, whether it is
manic or depressive,
be open and attentive
to their feelings.
(Students First Project)

8. BIPOLAR DISORDER IN THE
CLASSROOM
If a student is showing
signs of bipolar
disorder, it is also
important to watch
for signs of suicidal
thoughts or thoughts
of death.
(Students First Project)

9. BIPOLAR DISORDER IN THE
CLASSROOM
It is helpful for the teacher
to help focus the student’s
attention by giving them
greater support in tasks
they may have completed
with ease before the
disorder affected their
participation in the class.
While these are just some of
the strategies a teacher
may incorporate, they are
great examples of how a
teacher is able to work with
the symptoms of bipolar
disorder within the
classroom
Write down the
assignment
Help them organize
and breakdown the
parts of the assignment
or lesson
Engage the student
through conversation,
or setting up student
with in group settings
with their peers without
expectations
(Students First Project)

10. BIPOLAR DISORDER IN THE
CLASSROOM
Although the
behavioral changes
associated with bipolar
disorder may disrupt
the normal routine of a
classroom, a teacher
has the power to
create a safe and
successful environment
for every student,
whether they have the
disorder or not.

11. REFERENCES
National Institute of Mental Health (n.d.). Bipolar
disorder. Retrieved from
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-
disorder/index.shtml.
National Institute of Mental Health (n.d.). Bipolar
disorder in children and teens: a parent’s guide.
Retrieved from
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bi
polar-disorder-in-children-and-teens-a-parents-
guide/index.shtml
Students First Project (n.d.). School and classroom
strategies: bipolar disorder. Retrieved from
http://studentsfirstproject.org/wp-
content/uploads/QuickFactSheetBipolarStrategies.p
df