The Merck Manual Home Edition notes that less than 4 percent of the United States population has bipolar disorder, a mood disorder that causes patients to cycle between high and low moods. Patients with bipolar disorder I experience mainly mania symptoms, the high mood, while patients with bipolar disorder II experience mainly depression symptoms, the low mood. Both mania and depression in bipolar disorder cause physical changes.
Physical Pain
During the depressive phase of bipolar disorder, patients can experience pain. For example, the pain can occur in one area, such as with headaches. Some patients may have chronic pain, in which they have persistent pain that may occur in multiple areas of the body or in just one area, as with back pain. The University of Virginia Health System points out that the physical pain experienced during the depressive phase does not improve with standard treatment, such as pain medications.
Changes in Physical Activity
Both depression and mania can affect patients' activity level. The National Institute of Mental Health explains that during the depressive phase, patients feel slowed down, which affects their physical activity. Patients have decreased interest in their hobbies or daily activities and may withdrawal from them. During the manic phase, patients have increased activity. The Merck Manual Home Edition notes that patients pursue multiple activities during mania but do not think about the consequences of these actions. For example, a manic bipolar disorder patient may have unprotected sex without thinking about possible sexually transmitted diseases. Patients become more goal oriented during mania and take on more tasks than usual. During the manic phase, patients talk more than usual. Patients also may have increased sex drive.
Appetite and Weight Changes
Bipolar disorder patients can have changes in their appetite during the depressive phase of the disorder. The University of Virginia Health System points out that patients can either start overeating during the depressive phase or eat less than they usually do. If bipolar disorder patients have changes in their appetite, they have corresponding weight changes. For example, if a patient starts eating more carbohydrate-rich foods, she may gain weight.
Sleep Changes
Bipolar disorder can affect patients' sleep, which affects their energy levels. The Merck Manual Home Edition explains that during the manic phase, patients get little sleep because they do not feel they need to sleep. The University of Virginia Health System notes that during the depressive phase, patients also have changes in their sleep patterns. Some patients may have trouble falling asleep, while other patients may sleep excessively. In either case, the sleep is not restful, resulting in fatigue and decreased energy.
