|  | Mental Health | Bipolar Disorder

Academic Implications of Bipolar Disorder

When a student suffers from bipolar disorder, a mental illness that features depression and mood swings into over-excitement or mania, there are a number of possible academic implications as outlined in the book "Parenting a Bipolar Child" authored by Gianni L. Faedda, M.D., and Nancy B. Austin, Psy.D.

  1. Effects

    • Academic implications include difficulty in mathematics, problems completing tasks, increased school tardiness, and social and behavioral problems relating to mood swings.

    Considerations

    • Some bipolar students can stay in a traditional public or private school setting but need accommodations, while others may need special education or even a boarding school.

    Stressors

    • School-related stress, especially homework, can worsen bipolar symptoms and also cause problems at home. Managing homework effectively is an important part of a bipolar student's success.

    Accommodations

    • Accommodations from a school or college are often needed. Help for bipolar students can include extra breaks, more time for assignments, and a quieter place for test-taking.

    Function

    • Typically, a person with bipolar disorder functions best in the middle of the day. This is good, because it coincides with regular school hours for students in elementary or secondary education.

Bipolar Disorder - Related Articles