Positive psychological traits of spirituality, empathy, creativity, realism, and resilience are frequently observed in bipolar individuals [239].
Bipolar, he says, is both a blessing and curse. "It's mostly a gift, and sometimes it's more a curse to your family because they've got to live with it," he says. The blessing, Mr Higgins says, is that many of those living with bipolar disorder see life in far more colourful terms.
Worldwide, it affects about 45 million people and is considered to be the sixth leading cause of disability by the World Health Organization (WHO). Having bipolar disorder can make life very difficult. It can disrupt home life, work, relationships, finances, and physical health.
In the study, participants around age 18 received an IQ score. They were then monitored for more than 22 years. Researchers found that there were more bipolar disorder diagnoses among the men who had received a higher IQ score and didn't have any other mental health conditions.
Can Bipolar Disorder Affect Cognition and Intelligence? Bipolar disorder does not negatively impact intelligence.
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.
People with bipolar disorder can live a good life, be happy and be successful—just like anybody else. In fact, you might be surprised to find out that some of the greatest and most creative minds have had bipolar disorder. Some of their greatest work has been done during their darkest times.
Both the ADA and SSA consider bipolar disorder a disability. That qualifies you to get extra protection and benefits under the law. To start the process, talk with your doctor. You will need documents to prove to the government that bipolar disorder affects your ability to work.
You'll typically need mood-stabilizing medication to control manic or hypomanic episodes. Examples of mood stabilizers include lithium (Lithobid), valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex sodium (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro, others) and lamotrigine (Lamictal). Antipsychotics.
People with bipolar experience both episodes of severe depression and episodes of mania – overwhelming joy, excitement or happiness, huge energy, a reduced need for sleep, and reduced inhibitions. The experience of bipolar is uniquely personal. No two people have exactly the same experience.
This was a question recently asked of me, “can people with a mental illness, like bipolar disorder, live alone?” The answer to me was obvious – yes! Absolutely. Of course a person, even with a serious mental illness, can live alone.
Bipolar disorder may make it more difficult for you to interpret people's emotions. Missed clues make it harder for you to empathize when others feel happy or sad. If someone is feeling troubled, you may lack enough empathy to be moved to help.
The Relationship between Bipolar Disorder and Empathy
Some people who live with the depression and mania of bipolar disorder report feeling extreme empathy. On the other hand, research has found that some individuals with bipolar disorder express less empathy than is generally considered common.
Obsessive-compulsive symptoms are common in patients with bipolar disorders. This comorbid condition complicates the clinical treatment of the two disorders, so identifying these individuals is important.
If an individual is unable to work because of bipolar disorder, he or she may qualify for either Supplement Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
A 2022 review found that people with moderate to severe symptoms of bipolar disorder were less likely than those with mild symptoms to be employed. Working with bipolar disorder can pose significant challenges, but the right job can also provide benefits. Those benefits extend beyond employment income.
Generally, SSDI payments can range from an average of $800 and $1800 per month, although those amounts can be more or less depending upon your particular circumstances.
Poor judgment and impulse control, frequent mood swings, irritability, inability to concentrate, hyperactivity, and other common symptoms of the manic phases of bipolar disorder all affect your ability to perform your job and interact with others.
Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness. People who have it go through unusual mood changes. They go from very happy, "up," and active to very sad and hopeless, "down," and inactive, and then back again. They often have normal moods in between.
In many cases, it can help reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder, as well as lessen the increased risk of certain health conditions associated with bipolar disorder. For people with bipolar disorder, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America recommends working out for 30 minutes, 3 to 5 days per week.
Chemical imbalance in the brain
Bipolar disorder is widely believed to be the result of chemical imbalances in the brain. The chemicals responsible for controlling the brain's functions are called neurotransmitters, and include noradrenaline, serotonin and dopamine.
The risk of developing dementia is much higher among people who've had bipolar disorder, according to several studies. A 2020 analysis determined that people with bipolar disorder are about three times more likely to develop dementia, while another expansive analysis also found a significantly increased risk.
Left untreated, bipolar disorder can result in serious problems that affect every area of your life, such as: Problems related to drug and alcohol use. Suicide or suicide attempts. Legal or financial problems.