PSY-470 Abnormal Psychology Research Paper Outline
Topic/Proposed Title: Bipolar I Disorder Seen in Young Adults
Introduction: Imagine being 20 years old and feeling invincible one day, filled with boundless
energy, only to crash into a debilitating depression the next, unable to get out of bed. For nearly
1% of young adults, this rollercoaster of emotions is a daily reality. Bipolar I disorder, often
misunderstood and misdiagnosed, dramatically alters the lives of those in their most formative
years.
Purpose & Thesis Statement: Bipolar I disorder in young adults presents unique challenges, as
the onset during a critical developmental stage can disrupt academic, social, and personal
growth, necessitating early diagnosis and tailored interventions to manage the extreme mood
swings and minimize long-term impacts on mental health, relationships, and functioning.
1st Main Point: That Serves to Support Your Thesis: Provide a comprehensive evaluation
of the selected topic.
- Early Onset and Diagnostic Challenges
• 1st piece of research that supports this main point (include citation)
• Bipolar disorder: Why it’s often misdiagnosed. Child Mind Institute. (2023,
August 25). https://childmind.org/article/bipolar-disorder-difficult-to-diagnose-
in- adolescents/
o How does this article support this main point (key ideas)?
▪ Bipolar 1 disorder is having at least one manic episode they can
be proceeded by hypomanic or major depressive episodes and eve
caused by a break from reality.
▪ However looking at it in children/adolescents it can be
misdiagnosed as many symptoms overlap with ADHD,
depression, and schizophrenia, and it makes it difficult for doctors
to treat early on.
• 2nd piece of research that supports this main point (include citation)
o Early-onset bipolar disorder. (n.d.).
https://dam.upmc.com/-/media/physicianresources/pdf-publications/psychi
atry/synergiesfall2017final.pdf?
rev=a052b2e8147a4239b3e1975a2413c13d&hash=E51F7E83F811168B8
40DB5AD6ADB231D
▪ Often being difficult to diagnose before the age of 18 with many
overlapping symptoms, it can take years before an actual diagnosis
© 2025. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
Topic/Proposed Title: Bipolar I Disorder Seen in Young Adults
Introduction: Imagine being 20 years old and feeling invincible one day, filled with boundless
energy, only to crash into a debilitating depression the next, unable to get out of bed. For nearly
1% of young adults, this rollercoaster of emotions is a daily reality. Bipolar I disorder, often
misunderstood and misdiagnosed, dramatically alters the lives of those in their most formative
years.
Purpose & Thesis Statement: Bipolar I disorder in young adults presents unique challenges, as
the onset during a critical developmental stage can disrupt academic, social, and personal
growth, necessitating early diagnosis and tailored interventions to manage the extreme mood
swings and minimize long-term impacts on mental health, relationships, and functioning.
1st Main Point: That Serves to Support Your Thesis: Provide a comprehensive evaluation
of the selected topic.
- Early Onset and Diagnostic Challenges
• 1st piece of research that supports this main point (include citation)
• Bipolar disorder: Why it’s often misdiagnosed. Child Mind Institute. (2023,
August 25). https://childmind.org/article/bipolar-disorder-difficult-to-diagnose-
in- adolescents/
o How does this article support this main point (key ideas)?
▪ Bipolar 1 disorder is having at least one manic episode they can
be proceeded by hypomanic or major depressive episodes and eve
caused by a break from reality.
▪ However looking at it in children/adolescents it can be
misdiagnosed as many symptoms overlap with ADHD,
depression, and schizophrenia, and it makes it difficult for doctors
to treat early on.
• 2nd piece of research that supports this main point (include citation)
o Early-onset bipolar disorder. (n.d.).
https://dam.upmc.com/-/media/physicianresources/pdf-publications/psychi
atry/synergiesfall2017final.pdf?
rev=a052b2e8147a4239b3e1975a2413c13d&hash=E51F7E83F811168B8
40DB5AD6ADB231D
▪ Often being difficult to diagnose before the age of 18 with many
overlapping symptoms, it can take years before an actual diagnosis
© 2025. Grand Canyon University. All Rights Reserved.
