1 Bipolar Disorder Case Number Three Janessa J. Chavis Georgia Military College PSY 210: Abnormal Psychology Dr. Roberta Hunt February 27, 2022 2 Bipolar Disorder Case Number Three Diagnosis Case study number three is about a 38-year-old woman, Mrs. M, who experiences severe mood swings and has been admitted to a state hospital. Based on her symptoms I have diagnosed her with bipolar disorder. What is bipolar disorder? Simply put, bipolar disorder is a mental illness that causes mood swings. These mood swings can be referred to as bipolar episodes but just because you suffer from mood swings doesn’t mean you are having an episode. According to Laskey (2021) “Bipolar episodes, by definition, persist for longer periods, usually weeks to months, acting more like a shift in the climate.” Also, mood swings that are in response to bipolar disorder usually affect your everyday life. Highlighted Manifestations There are many symptoms of bipolar disorder some of which Mrs. M suffers from. The case study described Mrs. M as being “overactive and exuberant.” She also expressed a sudden interest in “reestablishing different forms of lucrative business.” In other words, Mrs. M was high energy which can be a symptom of bipolar disorder especially if it is deemed as unexplainable. In the case study, Mrs. M also appears to be manic which is also a symptom of bipolar disorder. “With mania, you could feel so wired that you don’t sleep for days or end up making impulsive decisions that you regret later” (Laskey, 2021). In the case study, Mrs. M purchased items and wrote many checks without funds as well as bought 57 hats the day before she was readmitted to the hospital. These are both examples of impulsivity which, as you read above, is an example of mania. 3 One of the most common symptoms of bipolar disorder is excessive mood swings. Throughout the case study, Mrs. M’s mood has changed multiple times. She would go from depressed to overactive with each mood lasting up to almost a year. One of Mrs. M’s less common symptoms that are more specific to her case is unusual changes in behavior. It is reported that Mrs. M started swearing loudly and more frequently for some time. I can assume that because it was written in the case study that it was something that was out of the ordinary for her. Etiological Dimensions There are many causes of bipolar disorder including stress, substance abuse, and traumatic events. The case doesn’t specify what caused Mrs. M’s disorder but I can assume it had something to do with her past. According to Aas et al. (2016) “In individuals suffering from severe mental disorders, childhood trauma is reported at a much higher rate.” Childhood trauma can play a big role in the development of a mental disorder. K. C (2022) says “Depending on the severity of the incident and the support available many children experience lingering effects through adolescence and adulthood.” I think something could have happened in Mrs. M’s childhood to trigger the disorder. Effective Treatment Options Treatments for bipolar disorder include medication, psychotherapy, and CBT. A good treatment option for Mrs. M could be CBT which stands for cognitive behavioral therapy. “Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps people learn how to identify and change destructive or disturbing thought patterns that have a negative influence on behavior and emotions” (Cherry, 2021). CBT could help Mrs. M identify what her 4 symptoms are, how they affect her and the people around her, and what lifestyle changes she can make to lessen them. Conclusion Due to unknown reasons, Mrs. M suffers from bipolar disorder. She shows multiple symptoms that not only have landed her in the hospital but have affected her everyday life. Fortunately for Mrs. M, there are multiple treatment options available to help her better deal with this disorder. 5 References Aas, M., Henry, C., Andreassen, O. A., Bellivier, F., Melle, I., & Etain, B. (2016, January 13). The role of childhood trauma in bipolar disorders - International Journal of Bipolar Disorders. SpringerOpen. Retrieved February 25, 2022, from The role of childhood trauma in bipolar disorders Cherry, K. C. (2021, November 5). How Cognitive Behavior Therapy Works. Verywell Mind. Retrieved February 25, 2022, from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Definition, Types, Techniques, Efficiency K, C. (2022, February 3). How Childhood Trauma Affects Mental Health and Wellness. Corner Canyon HC. How Childhood Trauma Affects Mental Health and Wellness Corner Canyon HC. Laskey, J., & Young, A. (2021, June 24). Quiz: Are Your Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Under Control? EverydayHealth.Com. Retrieved February 25, 2022, from Quiz: Are Your Bipolar Disorder Symptoms Under Control? | Everyday Health
