Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsTypes of MemoryEffectsTreatment and ManagementOutlook for Memory

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Symptoms

Types of Memory

Effects

Treatment and Management

Outlook for Memory

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The mood disorder can potentially alter their decision-making faculties, ability to think clearly, and memory retention. As such, some people with bipolar disorder may experience bipolar memory loss during the heights of their mania.

Symptoms and Memory Loss

Everyone goes through ups and downs, but people with bipolar disorder experience extreme mood changes that oscillate between a euphoricadrenaline-fueled frenzy to an intense depressive crash.

If needed, these turbulent behaviors can lead to hospitalization.The understanding of bipolar disorder can be complex and disorienting for those who have the condition. Common symptomsfor depressive and manic episodes include:

A 2017 studyhas shown that manic episodes can increase bipolar memory loss due to cognitivefatigue. For people living with bipolar disorder, engaging inimpulsiveand irrational behaviors that are a departure from their usual baseline behavior can be taxing and dramatically undermine their life and relationships.

After the episode wanes off, there’s typically a recovery period (mental, physical, emotional) dealing with the aftermath which can feel draining on top of themental illness.Memory-related effects from bipolar disorder have been termed as a “brain fog” or a “bipolar blackout” where the person remains conscious but they’reunable to recall the memoriesduring their high and low periods due to the rapid volatility of their mood swings.At its most severe, it can manifest into suicidal ideation and psychosis where they lose contact with reality, and delusionsmay occur.

There are different types of memory:

In each of these types of memories,research shows some people with bipolar disorder reported cognitive dysfunction related toexecutive functioning, verbal and visuospatial episodic memory, working memory, verbal learning, information processing speed, sustained attention, and sensorimotor performance.

Several studies have reported various neuropathological findings in bipolar disorder.In a 2020 reviewof 81 data studies, researchers compiled togetherMRI imaging resultsfrom people with bipolar disorder. These MRI images revealed small, but robust, differences in the volumes of brain structures in:

Along with the above brain reductions, another 2021 studyof 1,232 participants noted faster ventricular enlargements for people with bipolar disorder, with abnormal accelerated cortical thinning in the frontal cortex for those who experienced persistent manic episodes. Cortical thinning is a type of mental atrophy associated with aging and linked to disorders such asdementiaandAlzheimer’s.

The neurocognitive decreases are notable since the research suggests the brain’s executive functioning and its capacity for memory formation can be particularly vulnerable to the mania and depression experienced during bipolar episodes.

The recurrent frequency and severity of these periods can trigger a cascading effect of cognitive memory loss since the impacted areas around the prefrontal cortex organize one’s personality, the ability to feelempathy, plan things. It also controls their primary motor functions.

With decreased brain states,foggy thinkingcan activate inflammatory responsesin the brain which inhibits the production of neurons, dulling alertness, focus, and attention with neural communication. Lasting brain function impairment can also affect biochemical imbalances where additional co-morbid mental health conditions like anxiety and depression arise.

Bipolar disordermemory loss can be managed with certain interventions to stave off the frequency of the episodes and balance out overall mood and well-being. Since stress can set off an episode, it’s essential to maintain healthy habits to support a stable quality of life. Often, bipolar disorder is best managed withprofessional helpand guidance which can include:

What Medications Are Used to Treat Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder is intricate and how the illness may affect a person’s life will vary. Memory impairment might not affect everyone managing the condition, but the strongest predictor of memory problems is if manic depressive episodes are frequent, extreme, and often progress into mania,psychosis, and hospital care.

If bipolar disorder has affected a person’s ability to encode, store, and recall memories effectively, there are several preventative measures one can take to deal with these challenges.

How to Minimize Memory Loss

To limit bipolarmemory loss, it’s helpful to reduce the recurrence ofmanic depressive episodesand achieve more mental clarity with short- and long-term memory through:

If you or a loved one are struggling with bipolar disorder, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you or a loved one are struggling with bipolar disorder, contact theSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helplineat1-800-662-4357for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

9 Things Not to Say to Someone Who Has Bipolar Disorder

24 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.Swann AC, Geller B, Post RM, et al.Practical clues to early recognition of bipolar disorder: a primary care approach.Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2005;7(1):15-21.Belizario GO, Gigante AD, de Almeida Rocca CC, Lafer B.Cognitive impairments and predominant polarity in bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional study.International Journal of Bipolar Disorders. 2017;5(1):15.NewLifeOutlook.Bipolar blackouts: what are the causes and treatment options?.Dunayevich E, Keck PE.Prevalence and description of psychotic features in bipolar mania.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2000;2(4):286-290.Latalova K, Prasko J, Diveky T, Velartova H. Cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder.Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub. 2011;155(1):19-26.Cowan N.What are the differences between long-term, short-term, and working memory?.Prog Brain Res. 2008;169:323-338.Soraggi-Frez C, Santos FH, Albuquerque PB, Malloy-Diniz LF.Disentangling working memory functioning in mood states of bipolar disorder: a systematic review.Front Psychol. 2017;8:574.Harrison PJ, Colbourne L, Harrison CH.The neuropathology of bipolar disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis.Mol Psychiatry. 2020;25(8):1787-1808.Fornito A, Yücel M, Wood SJ, et al.Anterior cingulate cortex abnormalities associated with a first psychotic episode in bipolar disorder.The British Journal of Psychiatry. 2009;194(5):426-433.Abe C, Ching C.R.K., Liberg B, et al.Longitudinal structural brain changes in bipolar disorder.The Biological Psychiatry. 2021.Funahashi S.Working memory in the prefrontal cortex.Brain Sci. 2017;7(5):49.Balter LJT, Bosch JA, Aldred S, et al.Selective effects of acute low-grade inflammation on human visual attention.NeuroImage. 2019;202:116098.Spoorthy MS, Chakrabarti S, Grover S.Comorbidity of bipolar and anxiety disorders: An overview of trends in research.World J Psychiatry. 2019;9(1):7-29.Sanches M, Bauer IE, Galvez JF, Zunta-Soares GB, Soares JC.The management of cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder: current status and perspectives.Am J Ther.2015;22(6):477-486.Geddes JR, Miklowitz DJ.Treatment of bipolar disorder.Lancet. 2013;381(9878):10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60857-0.Miklowitz DJ, George EL, Richards JA, Simoneau TL, Suddath RL.A randomized study of family-focused psychoeducation and pharmacotherapy in the outpatient management of bipolar disorder.Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2003;60(9):904-912.Culpepper L.The diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder: decision-making in primary care.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2014;16(3):PCC.13r01609.Wilkowska A, Szałach Ł, Cubała WJ.Ketamine in bipolar disorder: a review. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2020;16:2707-2717.Chengappa KNR, Bowie CR, Schlicht PJ, Fleet D, Brar JS, Jindal R.Randomized placebo-controlled adjunctive study of an extract of withania somnifera for cognitive dysfunction in bipolar disorder.J Clin Psychiatry. 2013;74(11):1076-1083.King MJ, MacDougall AG, Ferris S, et al.Impaired episodic memory for events encoded during mania in patients with bipolar disorder.Psychiatry Res. 2013;205(3):213-219.Bonnín CDM, Reinares M, Martínez-Arán A, et al.Improving functioning, quality of life, and well-being in patients with bipolar disorder.Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2019;22(8):467-477.El Haj M, Gallouj K, Antoine P.Google calendar enhances prospective memory in alzheimer’s disease: a case report.J Alzheimers Dis. 2017;57(1):285-291.Swartz HA, Swanson J.Psychotherapy for bipolar disorder in adults: a review of the evidence.Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2014;12(3):251-266.

24 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.Swann AC, Geller B, Post RM, et al.Practical clues to early recognition of bipolar disorder: a primary care approach.Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2005;7(1):15-21.Belizario GO, Gigante AD, de Almeida Rocca CC, Lafer B.Cognitive impairments and predominant polarity in bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional study.International Journal of Bipolar Disorders. 2017;5(1):15.NewLifeOutlook.Bipolar blackouts: what are the causes and treatment options?.Dunayevich E, Keck PE.Prevalence and description of psychotic features in bipolar mania.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2000;2(4):286-290.Latalova K, Prasko J, Diveky T, Velartova H. Cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder.Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub. 2011;155(1):19-26.Cowan N.What are the differences between long-term, short-term, and working memory?.Prog Brain Res. 2008;169:323-338.Soraggi-Frez C, Santos FH, Albuquerque PB, Malloy-Diniz LF.Disentangling working memory functioning in mood states of bipolar disorder: a systematic review.Front Psychol. 2017;8:574.Harrison PJ, Colbourne L, Harrison CH.The neuropathology of bipolar disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis.Mol Psychiatry. 2020;25(8):1787-1808.Fornito A, Yücel M, Wood SJ, et al.Anterior cingulate cortex abnormalities associated with a first psychotic episode in bipolar disorder.The British Journal of Psychiatry. 2009;194(5):426-433.Abe C, Ching C.R.K., Liberg B, et al.Longitudinal structural brain changes in bipolar disorder.The Biological Psychiatry. 2021.Funahashi S.Working memory in the prefrontal cortex.Brain Sci. 2017;7(5):49.Balter LJT, Bosch JA, Aldred S, et al.Selective effects of acute low-grade inflammation on human visual attention.NeuroImage. 2019;202:116098.Spoorthy MS, Chakrabarti S, Grover S.Comorbidity of bipolar and anxiety disorders: An overview of trends in research.World J Psychiatry. 2019;9(1):7-29.Sanches M, Bauer IE, Galvez JF, Zunta-Soares GB, Soares JC.The management of cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder: current status and perspectives.Am J Ther.2015;22(6):477-486.Geddes JR, Miklowitz DJ.Treatment of bipolar disorder.Lancet. 2013;381(9878):10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60857-0.Miklowitz DJ, George EL, Richards JA, Simoneau TL, Suddath RL.A randomized study of family-focused psychoeducation and pharmacotherapy in the outpatient management of bipolar disorder.Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2003;60(9):904-912.Culpepper L.The diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder: decision-making in primary care.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2014;16(3):PCC.13r01609.Wilkowska A, Szałach Ł, Cubała WJ.Ketamine in bipolar disorder: a review. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2020;16:2707-2717.Chengappa KNR, Bowie CR, Schlicht PJ, Fleet D, Brar JS, Jindal R.Randomized placebo-controlled adjunctive study of an extract of withania somnifera for cognitive dysfunction in bipolar disorder.J Clin Psychiatry. 2013;74(11):1076-1083.King MJ, MacDougall AG, Ferris S, et al.Impaired episodic memory for events encoded during mania in patients with bipolar disorder.Psychiatry Res. 2013;205(3):213-219.Bonnín CDM, Reinares M, Martínez-Arán A, et al.Improving functioning, quality of life, and well-being in patients with bipolar disorder.Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2019;22(8):467-477.El Haj M, Gallouj K, Antoine P.Google calendar enhances prospective memory in alzheimer’s disease: a case report.J Alzheimers Dis. 2017;57(1):285-291.Swartz HA, Swanson J.Psychotherapy for bipolar disorder in adults: a review of the evidence.Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2014;12(3):251-266.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.Swann AC, Geller B, Post RM, et al.Practical clues to early recognition of bipolar disorder: a primary care approach.Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2005;7(1):15-21.Belizario GO, Gigante AD, de Almeida Rocca CC, Lafer B.Cognitive impairments and predominant polarity in bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional study.International Journal of Bipolar Disorders. 2017;5(1):15.NewLifeOutlook.Bipolar blackouts: what are the causes and treatment options?.Dunayevich E, Keck PE.Prevalence and description of psychotic features in bipolar mania.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2000;2(4):286-290.Latalova K, Prasko J, Diveky T, Velartova H. Cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder.Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub. 2011;155(1):19-26.Cowan N.What are the differences between long-term, short-term, and working memory?.Prog Brain Res. 2008;169:323-338.Soraggi-Frez C, Santos FH, Albuquerque PB, Malloy-Diniz LF.Disentangling working memory functioning in mood states of bipolar disorder: a systematic review.Front Psychol. 2017;8:574.Harrison PJ, Colbourne L, Harrison CH.The neuropathology of bipolar disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis.Mol Psychiatry. 2020;25(8):1787-1808.Fornito A, Yücel M, Wood SJ, et al.Anterior cingulate cortex abnormalities associated with a first psychotic episode in bipolar disorder.The British Journal of Psychiatry. 2009;194(5):426-433.Abe C, Ching C.R.K., Liberg B, et al.Longitudinal structural brain changes in bipolar disorder.The Biological Psychiatry. 2021.Funahashi S.Working memory in the prefrontal cortex.Brain Sci. 2017;7(5):49.Balter LJT, Bosch JA, Aldred S, et al.Selective effects of acute low-grade inflammation on human visual attention.NeuroImage. 2019;202:116098.Spoorthy MS, Chakrabarti S, Grover S.Comorbidity of bipolar and anxiety disorders: An overview of trends in research.World J Psychiatry. 2019;9(1):7-29.Sanches M, Bauer IE, Galvez JF, Zunta-Soares GB, Soares JC.The management of cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder: current status and perspectives.Am J Ther.2015;22(6):477-486.Geddes JR, Miklowitz DJ.Treatment of bipolar disorder.Lancet. 2013;381(9878):10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60857-0.Miklowitz DJ, George EL, Richards JA, Simoneau TL, Suddath RL.A randomized study of family-focused psychoeducation and pharmacotherapy in the outpatient management of bipolar disorder.Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2003;60(9):904-912.Culpepper L.The diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder: decision-making in primary care.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2014;16(3):PCC.13r01609.Wilkowska A, Szałach Ł, Cubała WJ.Ketamine in bipolar disorder: a review. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2020;16:2707-2717.Chengappa KNR, Bowie CR, Schlicht PJ, Fleet D, Brar JS, Jindal R.Randomized placebo-controlled adjunctive study of an extract of withania somnifera for cognitive dysfunction in bipolar disorder.J Clin Psychiatry. 2013;74(11):1076-1083.King MJ, MacDougall AG, Ferris S, et al.Impaired episodic memory for events encoded during mania in patients with bipolar disorder.Psychiatry Res. 2013;205(3):213-219.Bonnín CDM, Reinares M, Martínez-Arán A, et al.Improving functioning, quality of life, and well-being in patients with bipolar disorder.Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2019;22(8):467-477.El Haj M, Gallouj K, Antoine P.Google calendar enhances prospective memory in alzheimer’s disease: a case report.J Alzheimers Dis. 2017;57(1):285-291.Swartz HA, Swanson J.Psychotherapy for bipolar disorder in adults: a review of the evidence.Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2014;12(3):251-266.

National Institute of Mental Health.Bipolar disorder.

Swann AC, Geller B, Post RM, et al.Practical clues to early recognition of bipolar disorder: a primary care approach.Prim Care Companion J Clin Psychiatry. 2005;7(1):15-21.

Belizario GO, Gigante AD, de Almeida Rocca CC, Lafer B.Cognitive impairments and predominant polarity in bipolar disorder: a cross-sectional study.International Journal of Bipolar Disorders. 2017;5(1):15.

NewLifeOutlook.Bipolar blackouts: what are the causes and treatment options?.

Dunayevich E, Keck PE.Prevalence and description of psychotic features in bipolar mania.Curr Psychiatry Rep. 2000;2(4):286-290.

Latalova K, Prasko J, Diveky T, Velartova H. Cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder.Biomed Pap Med Fac Univ Palacky Olomouc Czech Repub. 2011;155(1):19-26.

Cowan N.What are the differences between long-term, short-term, and working memory?.Prog Brain Res. 2008;169:323-338.

Soraggi-Frez C, Santos FH, Albuquerque PB, Malloy-Diniz LF.Disentangling working memory functioning in mood states of bipolar disorder: a systematic review.Front Psychol. 2017;8:574.

Harrison PJ, Colbourne L, Harrison CH.The neuropathology of bipolar disorder: systematic review and meta-analysis.Mol Psychiatry. 2020;25(8):1787-1808.

Fornito A, Yücel M, Wood SJ, et al.Anterior cingulate cortex abnormalities associated with a first psychotic episode in bipolar disorder.The British Journal of Psychiatry. 2009;194(5):426-433.

Abe C, Ching C.R.K., Liberg B, et al.Longitudinal structural brain changes in bipolar disorder.The Biological Psychiatry. 2021.

Funahashi S.Working memory in the prefrontal cortex.Brain Sci. 2017;7(5):49.

Balter LJT, Bosch JA, Aldred S, et al.Selective effects of acute low-grade inflammation on human visual attention.NeuroImage. 2019;202:116098.

Spoorthy MS, Chakrabarti S, Grover S.Comorbidity of bipolar and anxiety disorders: An overview of trends in research.World J Psychiatry. 2019;9(1):7-29.

Sanches M, Bauer IE, Galvez JF, Zunta-Soares GB, Soares JC.The management of cognitive impairment in bipolar disorder: current status and perspectives.Am J Ther.2015;22(6):477-486.

Geddes JR, Miklowitz DJ.Treatment of bipolar disorder.Lancet. 2013;381(9878):10.1016/S0140-6736(13)60857-0.

Miklowitz DJ, George EL, Richards JA, Simoneau TL, Suddath RL.A randomized study of family-focused psychoeducation and pharmacotherapy in the outpatient management of bipolar disorder.Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2003;60(9):904-912.

Culpepper L.The diagnosis and treatment of bipolar disorder: decision-making in primary care.Prim Care Companion CNS Disord. 2014;16(3):PCC.13r01609.

Wilkowska A, Szałach Ł, Cubała WJ.Ketamine in bipolar disorder: a review. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. 2020;16:2707-2717.

Chengappa KNR, Bowie CR, Schlicht PJ, Fleet D, Brar JS, Jindal R.Randomized placebo-controlled adjunctive study of an extract of withania somnifera for cognitive dysfunction in bipolar disorder.J Clin Psychiatry. 2013;74(11):1076-1083.

King MJ, MacDougall AG, Ferris S, et al.Impaired episodic memory for events encoded during mania in patients with bipolar disorder.Psychiatry Res. 2013;205(3):213-219.

Bonnín CDM, Reinares M, Martínez-Arán A, et al.Improving functioning, quality of life, and well-being in patients with bipolar disorder.Int J Neuropsychopharmacol. 2019;22(8):467-477.

El Haj M, Gallouj K, Antoine P.Google calendar enhances prospective memory in alzheimer’s disease: a case report.J Alzheimers Dis. 2017;57(1):285-291.

Swartz HA, Swanson J.Psychotherapy for bipolar disorder in adults: a review of the evidence.Focus (Am Psychiatr Publ). 2014;12(3):251-266.

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