Can bipolar affect your body?

Skeletal and muscular systems. Bipolar disorder doesn't directly affect the bones and muscles, but if you experience depressive episodes, these can affect your skeletal and muscular systems. Depression can lead to unexplained aches and pains, which can make everyday activities difficult to manage.Mar 24, 2022

What are the side effects of being bipolar?

Symptoms – Bipolar disorder

  • feeling sad, hopeless or irritable most of the time.
  • lacking energy.
  • difficulty concentrating and remembering things.
  • loss of interest in everyday activities.
  • feelings of emptiness or worthlessness.
  • feelings of guilt and despair.
  • feeling pessimistic about everything.
  • self-doubt.

Does Bipolar cause chemical imbalance?

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.

Does Bipolar damage the brain?

A study by researchers at the San Francisco VA Medical Center indicates that people with bipolar disorder may suffer progressive brain damage.

Can bipolar cause neurological problems?

UCSF: “Study suggests bipolar disorder may cause progressive brain damage.” Psychiatric Clinics of North America: “Cognitive and neurological impairment in mood disorders.” Harvard Medical School: “Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depressive Illness or Manic Depression).”

What are 5 signs of bipolar?

Mania and hypomania

  • Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired.
  • Increased activity, energy or agitation.
  • Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)
  • Decreased need for sleep.
  • Unusual talkativeness.
  • Racing thoughts.
  • Distractibility.

How a person with bipolar thinks?

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.

Is bipolar a disability?

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is a law that helps people with disabilities get equal rights at work. Bipolar disorder is considered a disability under the ADA, just like blindness or multiple sclerosis. You may also qualify for Social Security benefits if you can't work.

What triggers a manic episode?

Research has shown that the most common trigger for episodes of mania is sleep loss. This can be in the form of sleep disturbances, disruption, jet lag, and an inconsistent sleep schedule. Sleep disturbances rarely cause episodes of hypomania, but it does happen—particularly in individuals with bipolar I.

Does bipolar worsen with age?

Bipolar may worsen with age or over time if this condition is left untreated. As time goes on, a person may experience episodes that are more severe and more frequent than when symptoms first appeared.