
What Are The Causes Of Cognitive Impairment With Bipolar Disorder?

Thanks for your query.
After studying your history in detail the cognitive impairment is likely due to the Schizoaffective disorder and /or the Bipolar disorder.
Let me explain to you my observations.
The causes for the cognitive impairment are :
A. Organic brain disorders like Psychosis , Bipolar disorders , Delirium etc.
B. Infections.
C. Hypoxial brain injury during birth.
D.Tumors.
E.Vascular disorders like stroke.
Cognitive impairment can happen because of the Hypoxial injury to the brain but the impairement is moderate to severe and it is not just limited to cognition,even movements ,speech all faculty are affected and it doesn't change with time.So Hypoxial injury as you cited as the intiation cause is unlikely.
It is evident from your history( psychosis and its improvement) that likely cause of cognitive impairment is because of the One of the organic brain disorder like Schizoaffective disorder and /or Bipolar disorder. Because it is limited to few faculty like thought process and task performance and its improvement only to get worse during the episode of Delirium, which is global(complete) loss or limitations of all the faculty of the brain including loss of consciousness.
Organic brain disorders are known to occur because of the imbalance in the neurotransmitters in the brain which are neither be detected in test nor in scans and the test and MRI scans usually normal. But in the other conditions that i mentioned earlier can be detected in test and scans.
Its not necessary to have psychotic episodes all thought out the year, they may disappear completely or can recur during acute exacerbation.
If not treated properly, the cognition can worsens over time though there is no method to predict what will happen in terms of worsening of the conditions, a gradual deterioration is expected.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries I will be available to answer them.
Regards.



Also, I have read studies of psychosis eating away at grey matter in the brain, in some cases a whopping 25%..but i've also been told, "the jury is out" regarding this structural damage hypothesis..
thanks very much this is really helping me calm a bit, and hope for the best!
XXXXXXX
Thanks for follow up query.
First, I thank you for identifying my mistake . Yes, "Imbalance of the Neurotransmitters is an Functional brain disorder not an Organic brain disorder."
People with schizoaffective disorder have a greater chance of going back to their previous level of function when compared to people with most other psychotic disorders. However, long-term treatment is often needed, and results can vary among individuals. Constant monitoring and regular follow ups with your doctor are needed.
Psychosis can happen due to organic causes (like tumors, infections,strike etc) OR due to Functional causes (Depression,Bipolar disorder). Since in your case the organic causes are ruled out that doesn't apply here.
Delirium can cause permanent brain damage in few cases, since you have recovered. You need not worry.
Summarizing the above discussions- Schizoaffective disorders have good prognosis than the other psychotic conditions, but the long term treatment is required.
Hope this helps you.
Wish you good health.
Regards

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