Bipolar disorder, also called manic-depressive illness, is a common disorder that causes mood swings, prolonged periods of depression, and episodes of mania. “Extreme changes in energy, activity, sleep, and behavior are accompanied by these mood changes” (National Institute of Mental Health [NIMH], 2008). A person becomes more goal-oriented and has grandiose visions of success. Patient M exhibits all of these symptoms when talking to her friends and university professors. She describes herself as someone who is above the two standard genders, what she calls a "third gender," and who has a soul-change with a high-ranking senator from her state. This latter belief inspired him to launch a political campaign and rise to a high position in government. She also suffered from depression in the past, which led to suicidal thoughts at one point. In addition to exhibiting all the appropriate symptoms, her environmental and hereditary factors indicate that she has a predisposition to developing bipolar disorder. According to the Center for Clinical Interventions (nd), “There are a number of factors that interact with each other and may contribute to the development of this disorder in some people.” Factors can be both environmental and genetic. Although genetic factors are considered most important for the development of bipolar disorder, "episodes that develop after the first appear to be more strongly influenced by environmental stress, sleep disturbances, alcohol and drug abuse." substances, inconsistent drug treatments, and other genetic, biological, or environmental factors” (Milkowitz, 2010, p. 74). Patient M had previously experienced two similar episodes of strange behavior and her family history includes mood disorders involving states of depression...... middle of paper ...... would suggest that he uses sleeping pills because she hasn't slept for five days, so we need to take care of her sleep first. Family-centered therapy will be necessary to resolve the environmental influences that shaped her as a child, including the rules imposed on her by her parents. This will improve his relationship and communication with his parents. However, it would be better to start with interpersonal and social rhythm. This way, she would establish a schedule that could improve her sleep, cognition and social relationships. Since this is not the first time this type of behavior has occurred in her life, she needs to address it before starting family-centered therapy. She must have clear knowledge and proper reasoning before solving the environmental problems her parents created with their overly demanding and overprotective rules..