Our results indicate that volume decrease in frontal brain regions can be attributed to the incidence of manic episodes. In a longitudinal structural MRI study of bipolar disorder, Abé et al. reveal a reduction in volume of frontal cortex in patients who experience manic episodes, but not in those who remain well.
Chemical imbalance in the brain
For example, there's evidence that episodes of mania may occur when levels of noradrenaline are too high, and episodes of depression may be the result of noradrenaline levels becoming too low.
One of the regions of the prefrontal cortex that is most affected both by depression and by the manic phase of manic depression is the ventromedial cortex (also known as the subgenual cortex, because it sits beneath the genua, or knee, of the corpus callosum).
The results showed that manic episodes led to decreased volume in certain areas of the brain. Bipolar disorder has been linked to various structural brain changes, including most notably progressive grey matter loss in the brain's frontal regions.
In the manic phase of bipolar disorder, it's common to experience feelings of heightened energy, creativity, and euphoria. If you're experiencing a manic episode, you may talk a mile a minute, sleep very little, and be hyperactive. You may also feel like you're all-powerful, invincible, or destined for greatness.
It may or may not include depressive episodes. Mania lasts 1 week or longer. Alternating hypomanic (less severe mania in intensity) and depressive episodes of varying lengths. Hypomania lasts 4 days or longer.
Signs a Manic Episode Is Ending
Slowing down and feeling less urgent and pressured all the time. Feeling more tired and getting more sleep. Being able to think more clearly, even if your memories of the manic episode are fuzzy. Making fewer impulsive decisions.
When a person is in a full-blown manic and psychotic episode, memory is greatly affected. In fact, it is rare for someone who is is a deep episode to remember all that happened. This is why it's called a blackout. The average person in this situation remembers maybe 50% in my experience.
Well, researchers believe that depressive and manic episodes are the most common causes of memory loss in patients with bipolar disorder. During manic episodes, the individual may operate at high speeds, making it difficult for them to hard code new information into their memories.
Abstract. The findings on dopamine in mood disorders suggest that decreased dopamine activity is involved in depression, while increased dopamine function contributes to mania.
The researchers say the evidence suggested a model where increased dopamine D2/3 receptor levels in the striatum would increase dopaminergic neurotransmission and lead to mania, while increased dopamine transporter (DAT) levels in the striatum would reduce dopaminergic function and cause depression.
Bipolar episodes decrease brain size, and possibly intelligence. Grey matter in the brains of people with bipolar disorder is destroyed with each manic or depressive episode.
There are three stages of mania: hypomania, acute mania and delirious mania. Classifications of mania are mixed states, hypomania and associated disorders.
Psychosis in bipolar disorder can happen during manic or depressive episodes. But it's more common during episodes of mania. Many people believe that psychosis is a sudden, severe break with reality. But psychosis usually develops slowly.
There's little or no self-awareness during mania, so you may not realize the consequences of your actions or how you have affected others until you come out of the episode. When you start to notice these symptoms, seek professional help before you slide fully into a manic episode.
Untreated, an episode of mania can last anywhere from a few days to several months. Most commonly, symptoms continue for a few weeks to a few months. Depression may follow shortly after, or not appear for weeks or months. Many people with bipolar I disorder experience long periods without symptoms in between episodes.
People with bipolar disorder do better when they have support from family members and friends. They tend to recover more quickly, experience fewer manic and depressive episodes, and have milder symptoms.
The symptoms usually appear between the ages of 18 to 29 years, but they can occur at any age, including childhood and the teenage years. Bipolar disorder can be hard to diagnose, but there are signs or symptoms that you can look for.