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

1. MANIC DISORDER
Mikayla Hudson
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

2. Definition
• According to the National Institute of Health, manic
depression, more commonly known as bipolar disorder, is
a disorder associated with episodes of mood swings
ranging from depressive lows to manic highs.

3. Causes
• Bipolar disorder has no single cause; however it is known that this disorder
sometimes has a genetic component and often runs in the family.
• External environmental and psychological factors are also believed to be
involved in the development of bipolar disorder. The following is a list of all
possible environmental triggers of bipolar disorder.
• Stress
• Substance Abuse
• Medication
• Seasonal Changes
• Sleep Deprivation

4. Causes of My Manic Disorder
• I am genetically predisposed to bipolar disorder
• My mother had it and so did my paternal grandfather.
• However, I do think that stress was involved in the development of
my bipolar disorder.
• As a child, my family moved from place to place a lot and that
brought a lot of stress on me as I never had time to make any true
friends.

5. I Am Not Alone
• Bipolar disorder is a very common.
• There are more than 3 million US cases per year
• More than 51 million people worldwide suffer from bipolar
disorder
• I’m glad that I am not alone and that there are always
support networks available if needed as this disorder is
very prevalent.

6. Who is at Risk
• At least half of the cases of Bipolar disorder start before
the age of 25.
• I developed my first symptoms during childhood. I felt very
conflicting feelings and as time went on, they got worse
and worse until I received treatment.

7. Types of Bipolar Disorder
• Bipolar I Disorder (mania or a mixed episode) – This is
the classic manic-depressive form of the illness,
characterized by at least one manic episode or mixed
episode.
• This is the type of Bipolar Disorder I have.

8. Types of Bipolar Disorder
• Bipolar II Disorder (hypomania and depression) – In
Bipolar II disorder, the illness involves episodes of
hypomania and severe depression.

9. Types of Bipolar Disorder
• Cyclothymia (hypomania and mild depression) –
Cyclothymia is a milder form of bipolar disorder that
consists of cyclical mood swings. However, the symptoms
are less severe than full-blown mania or depression.

10. Manic Phase vs Depressive Phase
I am often torn between manic and
depressive phases.

11. Manic Phase
• Feelings of heightened energy, creativity, and euphoria
are common during the manic phase. During this phase,
people often feel as if they are invincible.
• However, people often behave recklessly during a manic
episode and may also become angry and aggressive.
Some people even become delusional or start hearing
voices.

12. During My Manic Phases
• During some of my manic phases, I feel very productive
and energetic. I can oftentimes get a lot of work done and
feel very proud of myself.
• However, during some of my other manic phases, I
behave very recklessly. I once gambled away almost all of
my savings.
vs

13. Some of My Manic Phase Signs and
Symptoms
Talking rapidly
Feeling unusually
optimistic OR
extremely irritable
Sleeping Very
Little
Highly Distractible
Acting Recklessly and
Impulsively

14. Hypomania
• A less severe form of mania
• People in a hypomanic state feel euphoric, energetic, and
productive
• Hypomania can result in bad decisions that harm
relationships, careers, and reputations. In addition,
hypomania often escalates to full-blown mania or is
followed by a major depressive episode.

15. Depressive Phase
• Bipolar depression is likely to involve irritability, guilt,
unpredictable mood swings, and feelings of restlessness.
• People with bipolar depression also tend to move and
speak slowly, sleep a lot, and gain weight.

16. My Depressive Phases
• I often feel worthless and very depressed during this
phase.
• For days, I will just sleep in my bed not wanting to do
anything. Not like I can on those days anyways.

17. Some of My Depressive Phase
Symptoms
•Feeling hopeless, sad, or
empty
•Irritability
•Fatigue
•Physical and mental
sluggishness
•Appetite or weight changes
•Sleep problems
•Concentration and memory
problems
•Feelings of worthlessness or
guilt
•Thoughts of death or suicide

18. Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder
I feel that this image describes me perfectly. On manic
days, I get out of my “shell” and I complete all of the things
on my To-Do List. On depressive days, I stay inside my
shell, and just sleep while feeling very sorry for myself.

19. Diagnosing Bipolar Disorder
• Some diagnostic tests that doctors might conduct are:
• Physical exam: may help identify any medical problems that could
be causing one’s symptoms.
• Psychological evaluation: mental health assesses one’s
thoughts, feelings and behavior patterns.
• Mood charting: A record of moods, sleep patterns or other factors
that could help with diagnosis

20. Treatments
• Bipolar disorder requires lifelong treatment
• People who skip maintenance treatment are at a high risk of a
relapse of symptoms or having minor mood changes turn into full-
blown mania or depression.
• Day treatment programs
• Substance abuse treatment
• Hospitalization

21. Treatments/ Medications
• Medications may include:
• Mood stabilizers
• Antipsychotics
• Antidepressants
• Antidepressant-antipsychotic
• Anti-anxiety medications

22. Lifestyle Changes To Make
• Lifestyle changes to stop cycles of behavior that may
worsen bipolar disorder
• Quit drinking or using illegal drugs
• Do not engage in unhealthy relationships
• Get regular physical activity and exercise
• Get plenty of sleep

23. Bibliography
• http://www.helpguide.org/articles/bipolar-disorder/bipolar-
disorder-signs-and-symptoms.htm
• http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-
disorder/basics/symptoms/con-20027544
• http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/bipolar-
disorder/index.shtml#part_145403