Being diagnosed with bipolar disorder is usually the first step in a lifetime of management of the disorder...
Being diagnosed with bipolar disorder is usually the first step in a lifetime of management of the disorder. Other tools to help the management include medication and therapy for bipolar disorder. Even with management, there are still some possible long-term effects of Bipolar disorder. The human brain is prone to changes over the course of a lifetime. These changes can be accelerated or decelerated by particular circumstances and conditions. One of the possible long-term effects of bipolar disorder can cause a more rapid brain decline. Concentration issues also fall under the possible long-term effects of bipolar disorder. Although typically overshadowed by other bipolar symptoms, trouble concentrating is a symptom of bipolar disorder that remains even with treatment for bipolar disorder.
You can consider the use of techniques such as meditation and routines to manage the concentration issues of bipolar disorder. One positive long-term effect of bipolar disorder is becoming better at managing the disorder. Some of the most challenging parts of living with bipolar disorder come from a knowledge gap. Though bipolar disorder usually gets easier for most people to manage, some people with bipolar disorder tend to relapse with time. Discover possible long-term effects of bipolar disorder below.
For a human, the brain is one of the largest and most complex organs in the body. The brain is responsible for how we see and interpret the world. Thus, people with differences in their functioning experience the world in different ways. This means that people with bipolar disorder are likely going to possess peculiarities in their brains due to the disorder. Since each person has their own peculiarities, this fact is hardly a challenge. However, the challenge is that some research shows that people with bipolar disorder suffer more rapid brain decline than others. The deterioration of the human brain is usually inevitable as humans age.
The relevant point here is the expected pace of the decline of the human brain. Compared to people without bipolar disorder, those diagnosed with bipolar disorder experience a faster rate of brain decline. This makes brain changes one of the possible long-term effects of bipolar disorder. However, the same research revealed that the brain difference might not be as notable when bipolar disorder is treated.Receiving treatment for bipolar disorder can assist in living with bipolar disorder.
The ability to concentrate is an essential human trait that helps people achieve their goals. It can be characterized by maintaining focus on a task for a sufficient time. One of the possible long-term effects of bipolar disorder reflects in the form of concentration issues. It is notable to mention that several factors can cause concentration issues in different people. Concentration issues can also be related to other medical disorders or illnesses. However, people with bipolar disorder have been found to struggle with concentration issues due to their diagnosis. Unlike some other symptoms of bipolar disorder, struggling with their focus and concentration is less popular and more disturbing for bipolar individuals.
This could lead to attempts at improving concentrations by mere will. A lack of concentration or challenges with concentration is usually a lifelong symptom of bipolar disorder. Other symptoms of bipolar disorder, such as poor sleep quality or difficulty sleeping, can worsen concentration issues. Using routines and medication techniques can help manage bipolar disorder. Seeking support from family, friends, and professionals can also help manage concentration issues.
Bipolar disorder affects the brain in numerous ways. Sensory, short-term, and long-term memory are also a function of the brain. One of the effects of bipolar disorder is by creating memory-related issues like memory lapses. There could be different manifestations of memory-related problems. For instance, it could be in the form of gaps in memory that can be termed clumsiness or forgetfulness. Brain fog and bipolar blackouts are terms created to describe some of these memory retention challenges. Unfortunately, the effects of bipolar disorder extend beyond just memory lapses during bipolar episodes. Memory lapses are one of the possible long-term effects of bipolar disorder. Studies on the brains of bipolar individuals reveal differences in the thalamus area of the brain.
Management of bipolar disorder can help decrease memory lapses. You can reduce some of the memory-related risks of bipolar disorder with treatment. Also, consider relying on external structures such as a calendar to remember things.
Treatment of bipolar disorder can be in many forms. The most appropriate way to handle each bipolar individual usually depends on the person's peculiarities. However, treatment through medication and therapy are among the most common treatment techniques. In some cases, most therapy and medication are jointly used on bipolar individuals. Medications usually have the desired bodily impact and other unintended effects. These unintended effects are typically called side effects. Generally, several tests are conducted on drugs before they can be administered for human use. Over a long period of medication, the drugs might cause changes in body function. For instance, weight gain, sore throat and dry mouth can be side effects of medication. Unfortunately, without treatment, bipolar disorder is likely to get worse, and episodes might last longer.
Thus, many people with bipolar disorder prefer to use medication to live a fuller and richer life. With the advancements in science, better drugs are being produced to manage bipolar disorder. However, currently one of the possible long-term effects of bipolar disorder is body function changes.
On a more optimistic note, another of the possible long-term effects of bipolar disorder is better management of the disorder. Bipolar disorder can be truly challenging for a person to navigate at all times. Learning about the symptoms, management, and effects of bipolar disorder is tricky to navigate. However, after much experience with bipolar disorder, it becomes easier to manage bipolar disorder. The symptoms of bipolar disorder are more recognizable after some familiarity with the disorder. Also, typically, there is knowledge about the low lows and high highs of the disorder to motivate proper management of the disorder. It is not in all cases that, in the long term, the management of bipolar disorder improves. For some people with bipolar disorder, there is a temptation to relapse in their treatment due to perceived knowledge of managing the symptoms.
A common example would be rejecting medications and support in favor of self-management exclusively. External support should work with the internal management of bipolar disorder. It is important to remember the benefits of support and medication.
Bipolar disorder has various short-term and long-term effects that require support. A person with bipolar disorder can receive this support in the form of medications, care, and therapy for bipolar disorder. Some of the possible long-term effects of bipolar disorder include brain changes, concentration issues, memory lapses, body function changes, and better self-management of the disorder.
What Are the Long-Term Effects of Bipolar Disorder? (webmd.com)
All the Short- and Long-Term Effects of Bipolar Disorder (psychcentral.com)
Bipolar Disorder Medications: Long-Term Effects on the Body (healthline.com)
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor, and owner of Overcomers Counseling. I'm dedicated to helping individuals find strength and healing through life’s challenges. With a deep understanding of mental health and years of professional experience, I specialize in fostering hope and resilience while equipping her clients with tools to thrive. Passionate about empowering others, she creates a safe, supportive space where everyone feels seen, valued, and capable of overcoming obstacles on their path to well-being.
