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. Bipolar Disorder
By Emma Smith
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. What is it?
 People with dipolar disorder have major mood
swings
 There are two main moods:
1. Mania
2. Depression

3. Mania
• Restless, energetic,
euphoric period
• Patients often feel
“on top of the world”

4. Depression
• Opposite of the
manic mood
• Described as
sadness, feelings of
worthlessness, and
lack of sleep

5. Moods
 For some people, these moods can last for
weeks or months at a time (and very rarely,
years)
 For others, its more brief episodes

6. Causes
The exact cause of this disorder is unknown, but many
believe factors such as these may be involved:
• Physical differences in their brain
• Imbalance of neurotransmitters
• Inherited traits

7. Risk Factors
Some risk factors associated with bipolar disorder are:
• Parent or sibling with the disorder
• High stress
• Alcohol abuse
• Major life changes

8. Diagnosis
 Because of these highs and lows, bipolar disorder
can be difficult to diagnose
 Doctors will ask the patients various questions
regarding their mental state
 They also may do a physical examinations to
determine any problems that may cause their
symptoms

9. Treatments
 If their answers match up with the description of
bipolar, the doctor can treat them in various ways
 The most common way to treat bipolar is with
prescriptions or therapy

10. Medications
Medications may include:
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Mood stabilizers
• Antipsychotics
• Antidepressants

11. Therapies
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy- helps identify negative
beliefs and replaces them will helpful, positive ones
Psychoeducation Therapy- teaches the patient about
their disorder so they can better understand why they
feel the way they do

12. My Story
Having bipolar disorder can be very
frustrating and confusing. I never know if I’m
reacting to situations in the correct manor or if my
behavior is completely out of the ordinary. It can
be difficult for me to have relationships with
people.

13. My Story Cont
I have missed out on so many
opportunities with my disorder and I still have
trouble coping with it. I try to make most of my
situation and keep a positive attitude but it can be
hard sometimes.

14. Mania For Me
This mood for me makes me feel very
confident with everything that I do. I have too
much energy and I’m restless. Its hard for me to
focus simple things like simply remembering
people’s birthdays.

15. Mania Cont
Often times, when I’m manic, I barely
sleep. Sometimes I’ll go days without sleep. I
also make very rash decisions that I later regret.

16. Depression For Me
I constantly feel useless and irrelevant.
Sometimes, I wish I didn’t exist at all but I know
that I must keep going for my friends and family. I
feel like a complete waste of space and like I’m a
burden to everyone.

17. Depression Cont
When I’m in my depressed state, I have no
motivation to complete anything. I feel completely
worthless and I feel like a burden to everyone
around me.

18. My Mixed State
A mixed state is when I’m in mixed between
my manic and depressed moods. My thoughts race
and I’m restless but at the same time, I feel sad and
uninterested in everything. I’m full of energy but at the
same time I’m in despair. This state confuses me the
most because I have no idea how I feel.

19. My Medications
For my bipolar disorder, I take lithium to
help stabilize my moods. It’s most effective with
my manic moods but it also helps my depressed
mood.

20. Medications Cont
I have tried many medications to try and
help with my disorder. Some worked better than
others. The sides effects are the worst part about
each of them. I’ve gained over 40 pounds from
my medications. This weight gain has only
worsened my depression.