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Can Memory Be Impaired In A Person Suffering From Depression And Bipolar Disorder?

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Posted on Fri, 23 Oct 2015
Question: Hi
I SUFFER FROM DEPRESION AND BIPOLAR AND IM LOOKING FOR INFORMATION , IF THERE THIS CAN INPAIR YOUR JUDGMENT, AND MEMORY. my family is always saying that I say things but I have no recall, I have also had ECT treatment and have overdosed three times trying to kill my self.
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Yes in bipolar disorder judgment and memory can be impaired

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thanks for writing to us.

Yes in bipolar disorder specifically during manic episode andsometime in severe depresion judgement can be impaired. ECT can cause some amnesia for the events prior to ECT.
And when disorder is there for very much long duration chances of some impairment in memory and cognition are there and that is due to neurochemical changes in brain during disorder process as well as due to medicines (like benzo- klonopin).
Regular prophylactic medicines like depakote, lithium can prevent relapse and postpone the cognition impairment process.

You seem to be suffering from severe bipolar disorder as multiple admissions, ECT and suicide attempts are there. In my opinion you should continue medicines lifelong as per doctor's instructions.

Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.

Regards,

Dr.Chintan Solanki.
Note: For further guidance on mental health, Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Dr. Dr. Chintan Solanki

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2007

Answered : 2407 Questions

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Can Memory Be Impaired In A Person Suffering From Depression And Bipolar Disorder?

Brief Answer: Yes in bipolar disorder judgment and memory can be impaired Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for writing to us. Yes in bipolar disorder specifically during manic episode andsometime in severe depresion judgement can be impaired. ECT can cause some amnesia for the events prior to ECT. And when disorder is there for very much long duration chances of some impairment in memory and cognition are there and that is due to neurochemical changes in brain during disorder process as well as due to medicines (like benzo- klonopin). Regular prophylactic medicines like depakote, lithium can prevent relapse and postpone the cognition impairment process. You seem to be suffering from severe bipolar disorder as multiple admissions, ECT and suicide attempts are there. In my opinion you should continue medicines lifelong as per doctor's instructions. Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further. Regards, Dr.Chintan Solanki.