It’s common for people with bipolar disorder to have memory problems, caused by a variety of factors. So it’s important to know the reason for yours.
I once wrote a blog post called “Do People ‘Black Out’ in Manic Episodes?” and then read the questions from readers. They’d asked, “Do people with bipolar disorder have memory problems overall?”
Here’s my answer:
Yes, people with bipolar disorder can have trouble remembering things, but it’s not always for the same reason. Here are a few ways memory can be affected if you, or someone you care about, has bipolar.
1. Memory Problems From Depression
The mind can slow down substantially when we are depressed. Retrieving information is hard when your body isn’t functioning on full steam. I find my thoughts are jumbled and my brain is sluggish in certain depression episodes.
Writing down your symptoms when depressed can help you figure out how much your memory is affected. You can then read the list when the episode is over and compare your memory ability with when you are stable. This helps you know if your memory problems are related to mood episodes, or if they have another cause.
2. Memory Problems From Mania
It’s very common to have gaps in memory after a massive manic episode. This is especially true when psychosis is involved (My blog post mentioned above addresses this topic).
Think of it this way: When you drive a car at 25 miles per hour, it’s easy to pay attention to what’s happening around you. If you’re driving a car at 125 miles per hour, forget seeing what’s going on around you! This is what it feels like when we are really manic. The details can be lost in the adrenaline of the mania.
3. Memory Issues Associated With ADHD Symptoms
When you have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in addition to bipolar, it can be even more difficult to concentrate. For instance, I get very scattered during certain mood swings, especially when I’m in a stimulating place, such as a sports bar with a gazillion TVs. If someone tries to ask me a question during these times, I have trouble answering. I’m easily irritated and can get overwhelmed with all the demands on my concentration.
4. Memory Problems From Anxiety
Anxiety can change your memory ability, as the brain is in fight-or-flight mode, especially during a panic attack. Once the anxiety is gone, the memory goes back to “normal.”
Once again, writing down your symptoms when you’re anxious and paying attention to your memory will help you see what happens to your brain during that time.
In addition, my book, Take Charge of Bipolar Disorder, explains my symptom management plan and how I use symptom lists to manage my mood episodes.
5. Memory Changes Due to Medications
If you take antianxiety medications, even in small doses, gaps in memory can occur. Other medications, too, can cause the issue. Blank spaces in your thoughts, not being able to retrieve words, and so on, are common. These symptoms should go away when the meds are stopped or changed.
I use anxiety medication for sleep issues — namely, sleep emergencies — and if I take it even for just a few days in a row, I have memory blanks. I’m okay with this, as it’s not permanent and I know the cause.
RELATED: Bipolar and Memory: Managing Bipolar Brain Fog
Again, listing your symptoms when you start a new medication is imperative. It’s the only way to know if your memory issues are medication-related or not. Please note that you should check the side effects of anything you take for possible memory-related problems, as it’s not only a side effect of psychiatric drugs.
6. Memory Issues From Concussions and Head Injuries
Memory problems can also be the result of concussions and head injuries. If you were in a car crash, participated in a contact sport, or had a bicycle accident — as I did — get help for your concussion symptoms. My 2012 head injury increased my anxiety and profoundly affected my memory. It’s important to let your healthcare team know if you have hit your head.
Keep Track of When You Notice Memory Changes
It’s hard for me to say whether or not bipolar disorder itself causes memory problems. Instead, I think it’s during specific episodes, such as catatonic depression or full-blown mania, that we notice the most changes.
Here are a few things to keep in mind. Remember to check your memory when you’re stable. Write down how well you remember passwords, retrieve dates and times, make appointments, and do other memory-related tasks. Compare this to when you know you’re in a mood swing. This is how you can figure out the cause of your memory issues.
If it’s episodic and you see memory changes when you’re in a mood swing, there’s a good chance it’s related to bipolar.
If memory problems are constant, look for causes outside bipolar disorder, such as medications, a specific treatment, a head injury, or depending on your age, something such as Alzheimer’s. If you have overall memory issues all of the time, it’s likely not related to bipolar.
Just remember: We can work on ways to improve our memory. For example, I have an Alexa sound system that helps me with dates, appointments, and alarms — and all my friends know I need help with these tasks.
Share your memory stories below and let us know what you do to boost your memory!
UPDATED: Originally posted February 1, 2017