JD Salinger's 1950s novel The Catcher in the Rye has caused much controversy since the book's publication date. It is known as one of the greatest literary masterpieces in American history, but is also known for its foul language, sexual content, and psychological instability. The main character, Holden Caufield, is a reckless teenager who seeks adventure on the streets of New York after failing out of elementary school. Throughout his story, Holden behaves in a very precarious way. He is quick to make bad decisions and even though there are many consequences for his actions, he does not learn from the trials. I've come to the idea that Holden Caufield is a teenager with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a mental condition that contains “periods of mania alternating with periods of depression” (Mansela). I believe he suffers from this disorder due to the lack of seriousness in his upbringing, the rapidity of mental changes and the fantasies he brings to mind. Holden attends a posh high school called Pencey Prep. He attended several schools before this due to his lack of determination in his education. Pencey Prep also decided to kick him out. A very common symptom of bipolar disorder is being "easily distracted" and "trouble concentrating" (Mayo Clinic). He talks about these issues in the book. “The problem was that I couldn't concentrate too much. Sometimes it's hard to concentrate” (Salinger 169). So because of these problems he may also be diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, but I don't think this is his only problem. Holden can also be a very aggressive teenager. His roommate, Stradlater, let out a lot of his anger when they were talking about... half of the paper... recited in the entire book should raise red flags indicating the condition. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is a book that has sparked a lot of controversy over the years. People have their opinions on Holden's psychological state and their decision whether he should have finished the novel in treatment in a mental institution or curled up in his bed at home. Works Cited Mansela, Chris. Catcher in the psychology of rye. Goarticles.com. June 28, 2011 Web. http://goarticles.com/article/Catcher-in-the-Rye-Psychology/4862527 Mayo Clinic Staff. Symptoms of bipolar disorder. Mayoclinic.com. January 18, 2012. Web. http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/bipolar-disorder/DS00356/DSECTION=symptoms Salinger, J.D. Catcher in the Rye. NewYork: Little Brown and Company, 1991. Print. Bipolar disorder and money management. Squidoo.com. 2013. Web. http://www.squidoo.com/bipolar-money