life with bipolar disorder

By Barry N. Sane

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

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.

Genetics

Childhood experiences

Other life events

Neural processing

Melatonin activity

depression

excessive happiness

anxiety

inability to make decisions

suicidal thoughts

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

I unleash my anger on other people.

I feel great and full of energy!

I feel like the world hates me.

I feel like nothing is ever going right.

I feel I can’t control my emotions.

I resort to unhealthy habits.

Exercising helps me temporarily forget my problems.

But keeping a journal helps me process those problems.

Recognize my triggers.