This is a project for a high school AP Psychology course. This is a fictionalized account of having a psychological ailment. For questions about this blog project or its content please email the teacher, Laura Astorian: laura.astorian@cobbk12.org

1. By Barry N. Sane

2.  This is a project for a high school AP
Psychology course. This is a fictionalized
account of having a psychological ailment. For
questions about this blog project or its content
please email the teacher, Laura Astorian:
laura.astorian@cobbk12.org

3.  Previously known as manic-depressive
disorder. This disorder consists of mood
swings.
 Generally consists of two poles of emotions
that are opposite of one another.

4.  Genetics
 Childhood experiences
 Other life events
 Neural processing
 Melatonin activity

5.  depression
 excessive happiness
 anxiety
 inability to make decisions
 suicidal thoughts

6.  In some cases patients do not follow regular
bipolar disorder symptoms or they go
unnoticed.
 Commonly overpowering negative emotions
result in self injury, or cutting.
 In manic or depressive episodes some people
may attempt suicide.

7.  Genetic factors - Most individuals have
relatives that suffer from depression or bipolar
disorder.
 Neurological diseases & thyroid disease - these
carry similar symptoms that may be mistaken
for bipolar disorder

8. 1. Mania - elevated mood and increased self-
esteem
2. Depression- may also consider suicide
3. A Mixed Episode- mania and depression can be
experienced at the same time
4. Rapid Cycling - 4 or more different types of
episodes in one year
5. Seasonal patterns - moods triggered by a
certain time of year

9.  Mood Stabilizers - such as lithium or
antipsychotic drugs
 Atypical Antipsychotics - provide greater
symptoms relief
 Psychotherapy - Seeing a therapist to help
stabilize oneself and prevent relapse or
excessive episodes

10.  Firsthand, many individuals deny diagnosis.
But with the help of psychotherapy and the
correct medical treatments anyone with this
disorder can be pretty normal.

11.  About 5.7 million adults, 18 and older, have
bipolar disorder in America.
 That is 3 in every 100 adults.
 70% of people with bipolar disorder will be
misdiagnosed at least once.

12.  3 times or more a day a bipolar individual
experiences symptoms of depression.
 Suicide rates are higher for those with bipolar
disorder.
 The average onset age for bipolar disorder is
25.

13.  I unleash my anger on other people.

14.  I feel great and full of energy!

15.  I feel like the world hates me.

16.  I feel like nothing is ever going right.

17.  I feel I can’t control my emotions.

18.  I resort to unhealthy habits.

19.  Exercising helps me temporarily forget my
problems.

20.  But keeping a journal helps me process those
problems.

21.  Recognize my triggers.