Disclaimer:
This 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
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Gilroy Hubert- Bipolar Disorder
1. T H I S A P R O J E C T F O R A H I G H S C H O O L A P
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2. G I L R O Y H U B E R T
A P P S Y C H O L O G Y
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Bipolar Disorder
3. What is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar Disorder is a mood disorder
where the patient suffers from episodes
of euphoria and high energy, known as
mania, and episodes of depression
4. Symptoms and Results of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder’s only major symptoms are the
extreme mood swings that the patient experiences
However, these can have terrible effects on a
person’s life, such as poor job performance,
damaged social lives, and even suicide during
episodes of depression
5. Graphic Representation of Bipolar Disorder
The symptoms of Bipolar
disorder can affect
behavior and cognitive
functions
6. People affected with the disorder
Bipolar disorder usually occurs during the late teen
and early adult life, with at least half of the cases
occurring before the age of 25
7. Diagnosis
Bipolar disorder can last a life time
The symptoms can also come back over time
Doctors diagnose Bipolar disorder using the DSM
guidelines
To be diagnosed with the disorder, a patient must
suffer from major changes from one’s normal mood
or behavior
8. Types of Bipolar disorder
Bipolar I: Manic episodes last at least 7 days, or are so sever
that the patient must be hospitalized. Depression lasts
about 2 weeks.
Bipolar II: Depressive episodes occur in a pattern, but
manic episodes do not occur.
Bipolar Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (BP-NOS):
Symptoms of illness exist, but do not meet criteria for
Bipolar I or II.
Cyclothymic Disorder: mild form of bipolar disorder,
patient has episodes of mania or depression lasting 2 years
9. Risk Factors
The cause of Bipolar disorder is currently unknown.
However, studies show that there is not necessarily
one single cause.
Multiple factors may play a part in the onset of
Bipolar disorder
10. Genetics
Bipolar disorder is genetic, with certain genes
making it more likely that a person will develop the
disorder.
However, genes are not the only risk; in twin studies,
identical twins do not always both develop the
disorder
11. Co-Existing Illness
People with Bipolar disorder commonly suffer from
substance abuse.
Anxiety disorders can also occur, including PTSD
and social phobias.
ADHD can co-occur with the disorder as well.
12. Effects on Brain Structure
People with Bipolar disorder have very different
brains from people without it.
The prefrontal cortex, which is involved in decision
making, of people with Bipolar disorder are smaller
than normal.
13. Treatment
Bipolar disorder cannot be completely cured
However, it can be treated for the long term with
mood stabilizers such as Lithium.
Keeping a daily life chart and noting mood daily
mood symptoms.
14. Side Affects of Treatment
The side affects of lithium can include:
Restlessness
Dry mouth
Bloating/indigestion
Brittle fingernails
Discomfort in the cold
Muscle and joint pain
16. Manic Stage
The manic stage of bipolar disorder feels wonderful! All
of the sudden, I get a sudden burst of energy and feel like
I can conquer the world.
Occasionally, I also go on shopping sprees that can be
quite harmful to my credit card. Sometimes, I buy things
without even thinking about it!
During my manic stages, I also partake in some
substance abuse, more specifically cocaine. This makes
the stage feel even more vivid! This stage lasts about 5
days for me, all 5 of which are wonderful.
When in a manic stage, I completely forget about my
depression!
17. Depressive Stage
These stages are the worst. I feel so miserable, I
rarely leave my bed. I sometimes contemplate
suicide as well. The whole day feels like I’m trapped
in an empty void. These stages tend to last 2 weeks.
The only thing I can think about during this stage is
when I’ll begin to feel normal again. I also partake in
substance abuse, but during this stage I consume
marijuana to ease the depression and get through the
day.
18. Treatment
My doctor makes me take lithium for the disorder.
When I do take it, my manic stages are shorter and
less intense, which is awful. However, my depressive
stages are somewhat better.
My normal stages occur more frequently and last
longer. It also eases the anxiety I feel in the normal
stage.
I believe that the positives of the medication
outweigh the cost, and I have even stopped using
drugs, so I will continue to take it.
19. Normal Stage
Sometimes, I am in neither a depressive or manic
state. I feel what most people would consider
“normal”.
However, this does not mean I feel fine. On the other
hand, I become anxious about when I will enter my
next depressive stage and ashamed of the things I
had done in my previous manic stage.
Feeling “normal” does not last very long, but when it
does occur, it lasts for a few days, and feels just as
bad as a depressive stage.
20. Side Effects
Some of the side-effects of the lithium have been
dreadful. For example, I can no longer stand being in
cold weather, so winters are painful. It has also been
hard to get around because my muscles ache.
Despite this, the treatment is starting to work even
more, making these side effects irrelevant.
21. Post-Treatment
I have been taking the lithium medication for several
years now, and I can hardly tell the difference
between my manic and depressive stages!
Most of the time, I feel normal, and the wild
shopping sprees have stopped altogether.
22. Social Life
Before my treatment, I had almost no friends outside
of my family. Those I had before my symptoms
developed began to be unable to stand me.
During manic stages, I would annoy my old friends,
and during depressive stages, I refused to hang out
with them.
Once I began taking my medication, I was easier to
be around and have long term relationships with.
23. Career
I did not have an occupation before my symptoms
began to take effect. However, once they did, it was
clear that I could not hold a job.
I applied for a few during manic stages, but they
would usually call me back during depressive stages,
so I would just not answer the phone.
Although I did land some jobs, I usually quit them
during a depressive stage or got fired for being off
task in a manic stage.
After my treatment, I was able to get a job and stay
employed in it! I work as an accountant to this day!