If you have bipolar disorder, you might have difficulty remembering things or feel absent-minded. These memory problems can be related to your illness and can interfere with your recovery. Learning about them can help you deal with their effects.
Memory Problems
People with bipolar disorder might have problems forming new memories or a hard time remembering episodes from their lives. Sometimes paying attention can be a problem as well.
Diagnosis
Memory problems can be diagnosed with pencil-and-paper tests and computer tasks administered by a professional.
Causes
Scientists aren't sure what causes the memory loss in bipolar disorder. It may be because of genetics, to the strong emotional states in bipolar disorder or to medication effects.
Solution
Recognize your memory problems and make allowances for them. Use memory aids such as calendars, notes and lists. Consider being open about your memory problems so you can get help from others.
Hope
Researchers at Harvard Medical School have shown that a medication for Alzheimer's disease, galantamine-ER, helps memory and brain functioning. Many scientists have expressed concern about these memory problems, and are committed to doing further research to learn how to prevent and treat them.
