By Saniyah Courtney

At Patterson High School, in our AP psychology class led by Mr. Baron, students researched, presented different mental health disorders, created ugly dolls with special powers, and guided notes to help the class better understand how the disorder could affect someone.

Taron Taylor presented on ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), explaining the common symptoms like difficulty focusing and hyperactivity, and how it is treated. He also discussed medication options and possible side effects, and even used his own life examples to help the class understand both the benefits and challenges of treatment.

Jae’lynn Newby-Goode presented on cluster disorders, which focused on groups of personality disorders that are often categorized together. She explained ten different types of personality disorders and how medication can help manage symptoms, and how common it is for each gender. Jaalyn’s presentation helped show how complex personality disorders can be and how treatment often depends on the individual.

Zoe Harris talked about somatic symptom disorder, explaining how it is caused by a strong focus on physical symptoms that may not have a clear medical explanation. She discussed how stress and mental health can affect the body and explained ways people live with the disorder, and also used a celebrity as an example.

Marshall Mallory presented on bipolar disorder, explaining how it causes extreme mood swings between manic episodes. He also talked about the different types of bipolar and how it can be passed down through genetics, while also discussing how people manage the disorder through medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes to keep their moods more stable.

Roman Clark talked about OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), explaining how people experience unwanted thoughts and feel the need to perform certain actions repeatedly. He also shared myths about OCD, explaining how therapy can reduce these behaviors and improve daily life. 

Genesis Lagombra presented on dissociative disorders, going into detail about how they affect memory, identity, and awareness. She described how people may feel disconnected from themselves or from reality. She also discussed treatment options like therapy to help individuals regain a sense of stability.

Cesia Lopez Velasquez talked about eating disorders, explaining how they affect both mental and physical health. She discussed different types, the pressure that can contribute to them, and how treatment often includes therapy, medical support, and building a healthier relationship with food.

Sierra Skaggs presented on social anxiety disorder, explaining how it causes intense fear in social situations. She also discussed how it can affect communication and daily life, and she explained how therapy and coping strategies can help people feel more comfortable in social settings.

Along with these presentations, AP psychology students have also worked on a creative project where they created “ugly dolls” with superpowers to help the person with the disorder, allowing them to express themselves artistically while connecting their understanding of psychology to art.