If you or someone close to you has bipolar disorder , you probably know that it is something that needs to be managed throughout life. Although there is no cure for it, with the right treatment, including medication, talk therapy, and other methods, the condition can be well-controlled and you can live a normal life. However, whether you get treatment or not, it can have some effects on your body over time. That's what we're talking about today.
How bipolar disorder affects your brain
Research has found that long-term bipolar disorder can cause brain damage. Experts believe this is because our brains gradually lose amino acids. Simply put, like the rubber coating around an electrical wire, our neurons have a protective coating. These amino acids help make the proteins that make up that coating.
Over time, bipolar disorder can affect:
- Memory : Difficulty remembering things.
- Concentration: Difficulty staying focused on one thing.
- Attention: The ability to quickly shift attention.
- Overall executive function : This refers to the decline in the ability to control impulses and organize and plan tasks.
Also, the frontal lobe of your brain, which is the part that helps you remember words and make decisions, may also have a slight decrease in function.
Long-term effects of medications
Some medications used for bipolar disorder can affect the way some of our body's organs function when used for a long time. But this doesn't mean that the medication is bad. These effects don't happen to everyone. Your doctor is aware of this and will do regular tests to make sure everything is going well.
The most important thing is to never stop taking medication or change the dosage without asking your doctor .
| Long-term effects of lithium use | ||
|---|---|---|
| Organ that may be affected | Possible situation | Symptoms |
| Kidneys | Kidney function can be affected. Sometimes, a condition called nephrogenic diabetes insipidus can develop, which is a type of diabetes that occurs when the kidneys do not respond properly to the hormones that control fluid in the body. | - Constant feeling of excessive thirst - Frequent urination |
| Thyroid gland | Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. | - Depression - Dry skin - Excessive fatigue - Inability to tolerate cold - Difficulty thinking quickly - Body weight gain |
| Parathyroid gland | A condition called hyperparathyroidism. This is when the gland is unable to control the body's calcium levels. This is a somewhat rare side effect. | - Kidney stones - Bone or joint pain - Nausea - Stomach pain |
If you are taking lithium, your doctor will be aware of these risks and will do things like regular blood tests to make sure everything is okay.
Other medications
Sometimes, if your mania and depression are not well controlled, your doctor may prescribe a mood stabilizer along with a type of medication called an antipsychotic. These may increase the following risks when used long-term:
- Obesity: Unnecessary increase in body weight.
- Glucose intolerance and diabetes: Increased blood sugar levels and risk of diabetes.
- Dyslipidemia: Abnormally high levels of fat ( cholesterol ) in the blood.
- Movement disorders: Symptoms similar to conditions such as dyskinesia or Parkinson's disease.
What can happen if you don't get treatment?
This is the most important thing we all need to understand. When bipolar disorder is left untreated, symptoms get worse. As you get older, episodes of mania and depression can become more frequent and last longer. This can have the following effects on your life:
| Problem | Description |
|---|---|
| Drug and alcohol addiction | Unable to cope with stress, many people turn to drugs or alcohol. |
| Legal or financial problems | Problems like these can arise from reckless spending and risky decisions during periods of mania. |
| Difficulty maintaining relationships | Relationships with family and friends can be strained because moods change frequently. |
| Problems at work or school | Things like inability to concentrate on work and taking frequent vacations can interfere with work or education. |
Suicidal thoughts
This is a very sensitive topic, but one that needs to be discussed. Without treatment, depression can worsen and lead to frequent thoughts of death or suicide.
Having these thoughts can be part of the illness itself. You are not alone. If you are having these thoughts, please talk to someone you trust immediately. See your doctor as soon as possible. Or go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of your nearest hospital. It is very important to get help.
Take-Home Message
- Although bipolar is a lifelong condition, it can be well managed with proper and ongoing treatment.
- If left untreated, symptoms can worsen and, over time, affect the brain and every aspect of your life.
- The medications you take can have long-term side effects. That's why your doctor will check you regularly.
- Do not stop taking medication or change the dosage for any reason without your doctor's advice.
- If you have thoughts of harming yourself, don't hide it. Seek medical advice immediately. Go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU).
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