Research shows bipolar disorder may damage the brain over time. Experts think it's because you slowly lose amino acids. They help build the proteins that make up the insulation around your neurons.
The results showed that manic episodes led to decreased volume in certain areas of the brain. Bipolar disorder has been linked to various structural brain changes, including most notably progressive grey matter loss in the brain's frontal regions.
The bipolar states of mania and depression have a clear impact on cognitive function. The clinical criteria for mania include distractibility, inappropriate speech and behavior, increased goal-directed behavior, and a tendency to make decisions associated with potential painful consequences.
The occurrence of manic symptoms can have a traumatic impact on a patient unaware of her/his diagnosis, especially during symptom remission. The present work describes a clinical case of a woman with type-1 bipolar disorder and PTSD secondary to previous manic episodes characterized by hypersexuality.
When a manic episode ends, you may be able to return to normal functioning, or you may experience a depressive episode, characterized by the following symptoms: Feeling low, sad, or anxious. Feeling lethargic and slow. Having difficulty making decisions.
Why does it happen? Well, researchers believe that depressive and manic episodes are the most common causes of memory loss in patients with bipolar disorder. During manic episodes, the individual may operate at high speeds, making it difficult for them to hard code new information into their memories.
The life expectancy for someone with bipolar disorder is approximately 67 years old. A 2021 study researched the effect of bipolar disorder on longevity and found that: risk of death is 2.6 times greater than the general population. the average life span is between 8–12 years shorter than the general population.
There is no cure for bipolar disorder, and changes to the brain can be permanent. However, treatments for bipolar disorder, such as lithium, may have a “normalizing effect” on the brain.
When a person is in a full-blown manic and psychotic episode, memory is greatly affected. In fact, it is rare for someone who is in a deep episode to remember all that happened. This is why it's called a blackout. The average person in this situation remembers maybe 50 percent, in my experience.
Some cognitive functions, such as reasoning and memory, may be affected by mood episodes of bipolar disorder. This means that, at least temporarily, you may experience some difficulty remembering information or solving problems during episodes of mania or depression.
You may find yourself believing strange things about yourself, making bad judgements and behaving in embarrassing, harmful and sometimes even dangerous ways. Mania can make it difficult or impossible to deal with life in an effective way. A period of mania can, if untreated, destroy your relationships and work.
Some people who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder will experience episodes of psychosis during mania or depression. These episodes cause hallucinations, delusions, disordered thinking, and a lack of awareness of reality.
Untreated Bipolar Disorder
As time goes on, a person may experience episodes that are more severe and more frequent than when symptoms first appeared. The longer the symptoms continue without treatment, the more likely a person is to experience problems in personal relationships or daily responsibilities.
When your mood shifts to mania or hypomania (less extreme than mania), you may feel euphoric, full of energy or unusually irritable. These mood swings can affect sleep, energy, activity, judgment, behavior and the ability to think clearly.
If you're not already receiving treatment, episodes of bipolar-related mania can last between three and six months. With effective treatment, a manic episode usually improves within about three months.
A person who has severe manic episodes may go beyond excess energy and euphoria to aggression and irritability. They may also have psychotic symptoms such as disorganized thoughts, hallucinations, or paranoia and may lose touch with reality.
Thus, when the term “manic episode” is used it may refer to any one of the three stages of mania: hypomania, acute mania, or delirious mania. Manic episodes are often preceded by a prodrome, lasting from a few days to a few months, of mild and often transitory and indistinct manic symptoms.
While bipolar disorder cannot develop into schizophrenia, it's possible to experience symptoms of both. Before you consult a mental health professional, here are a few things you should know about the two conditions.
Research shows bipolar disorder may damage the brain over time. Experts think it's because you slowly lose amino acids. They help build the proteins that make up the insulation around your neurons.
Patients with BD often have cognitive complaints as part of their psychiatric disorder but are at an increased risk of developing dementia, including FTD.