In short, bipolar disorder can affect your brain.
For instance, bipolar disorder is linked to lower amounts of grey matter in the brain.
This article discusses whether or not bipolar disorder can cause brain damage and how bipolar disorder impacts the brain.
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There is so much that has yet to be discovered about bipolar disorder.
That being said,imaging studieshave provided plenty of information on how this disease impacts the brain.
In particular, a recent study shows that the grey matter in those with bipolar disorder is significantly impacted.
Grey Matter in the Brain
Grey matter is the outer layer ofbraintissue.
It is filled with neuronal cell bodies.
These cells are what give the tissue a grey hue.
The neuronal cell bodies are also the materials that make up your cerebral cortex.
There were 6,500 brain scans, and 1,800 of that total were brain scans of people with bipolar disorder.
It is believed this is due to the impactlithiumhas on tissue growth in the brain.
So yes,bipolar disordercan cause brain damage, and this has been proven through research using brain imaging.
It may also help with the decrease of grey matter deterioration, leading to decreased brain damage.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment
Bipolar can be effectively managed with the righttreatmentprotocol.
Professionals recommend a combination of medication, psychotherapy, and lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle changes include following a daily routine, setting asleep schedule, exercising regularly, and eating well.
For instance, those withschizophreniaormajor depressive disorderare also prone to having low amounts of grey matter.
Lithium’s Effect on Grey Matter
Some bipolar medication can support the increase of grey matter thickness.
While this is promising, not all bipolar medication has this effect.
Other Medications
Anticonvulsantsandantipsychoticsare often prescribed to those living with bipolar disorder.
These medications have not been proven to increase grey matter thickness in the brain.
In fact, these medications have been linked to decreased grey matter thickness.
Keeping this in mind, it is important to focus on which medication makes you feel your best.
A Word From Verywell
Living with bipolar disorder can be hard.
It is an often stigmatized and misunderstood disease, one that impacts the body and mind.
However, it is possible to lead a healthy and fulfilled life even while experiencing this disorder.
Be sure to team up with alicensed mental health providerfor individualized care.
Also, consider seeking out asupport groupwith others who are also living with bipolar disorder.
If you find yourself struggling with thoughts of harming yourself, call 988 for immediate mental health crisis support.
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