The Real Effects of Bipolar Disorder

The general public is slowly becoming more aware of bipolar disorder, and that is a marvelous thing for those of us that suffer with this illness. However, there is so much more to this disorder than the actual moods being affected. Every inch of life is tinged with the illness, and this is how some of those effects are played out.

I am fortunate enough to express myself through writing, but many others are unable to do the same. Complaints that medications have stifled creativity or the "muse" are too common. Many historical figures that are believed to have been bipolar completed great works during apparent mood episodes. The belief that medications stifle creativity is fairly widespread among patients with bipolar disorder. However, the choice between being unstable and creative or being stable is often a fairly difficult decision. Fortunately, stability usually wins out.

The next toll taken by bipolar disorder is on the sex drive. Some medications, not all, have a nasty reputation for obliterating patients' sex drive. For a short time, this can be a refreshing change from the hypersexuality found in some cases of mania, but many patients are in caring, loving relationships that partially depend on sexual elements. Diminished sex drives can occasionally be corrected through medication changes or therapy, but these measures rarely seem to bring the same level of sexuality back to every relationship. Again, the choice between medication and expression takes its toll.

A number of the medications used as a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic to treat bipolar disorder are known to cause significant weight gain. This impacts not only a patient's mental and emotional wellbeing but his or her physical health as well. Sudden and significant changes in weight can lead to a number of other health problems.

There are certainly other side effects that have been noted in common bipolar disorder medications. Tremors, hair loss, nausea, insomnia, drowsiness to name just a few. This is usually where the stability versus instability becomes the most important. Is the value of stability worth the cost of the side effects?

There is so much more to the bipolar "lifestyle" than mood episodes and medication. It requires a firm dedication to being well to continue the treatments necessary to adequately manage bipolar disorder. People without some kind of illness may not truly realize the commitment required to continue treatments with bipolar disorder medications long term.