Body Systems Affected by Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, although it affects the mental processes and emotions, has far-reaching effects. Bipolar disorder is mainly known for the swings between high and low mood, as well as the fluctuating energy levels. High moods cause patients to indulge in more risky behavior and act more impulsively or recklessly, whereas low moods cause lethargy and lack of motivation. Since the brain and body are linked, the phases of bipolar disorder will have a negative affect on the other systems of the body.

Significance

• Lack of sleep, loss of sex drive and loss of appetite are some common physical symptoms of a manic or depressive bipolar episode. Although these things are not indications in and of themselves, if they're coupled with unexplained changes in mood, they could be the result of bipolar disorder. If a manic or depressive episode lasts over a long period, a prolonged lack of appetite would cause severe weight loss, for instance. Rapid changes in weight or sleep patterns negatively affect the body's ability to function because hormones in the bloodstream change.

Appetite

• The appetite of a bipolar patient is affected whether in a manic phase or a depressive phase. In a manic phase, the appetite generally increases. This is due to the extra energy being used up--the body finds itself having to take in more calories. Even if the activities are only mental, thought processes use up calories just as easily as physical exercise does. During a depressive phase, appetite decreases, because the body uses less energy. Often, depression causes a lack of motivation to prepare or seek food, according to studentdepression.org. As food intake increases or decreases, so does weight and, therefore, metabolism.

Sleep Patterns

• Bipolar patients tend to have very sensitive sleep rhythms. If their sleep cycle is somehow disrupted by not getting enough sleep or by getting too much sleep, it can trigger a manic episode. The actual link between irregular sleeping habits and bipolar disorder hasn't been found, but in many cases, they fuel one another. When a disruption of sleep patterns occurs, a chemical called melatonin is not released properly into the bloodstream to cause sleepiness. Because of this, bipolar patients will still feel wide awake and ready to complete more of their tasks.

Sexual Functioning

• Bipolar disorder also causes libido to wax and wane accordingly--manic episodes are characterized by increased libido, depressive episodes by decreased libido. Serotonin, dopamine and norapinephrine are three chemicals linked to feelings of happiness, which are crucial to a healthy sex drive. When these chemicals aren't released into the bloodstream, people don't feel sexually inclined. This can be due to the anxiety associated with depression, feelings of worthlessness or, in the case of weight and appetite fluctuations, a decrease in self-image. A healthy self-image is vital to enjoy a healthy sex life, and depressive episodes of bipolar disorder cause negative feelings that inhibit healthy self-image.

Prevention/Solution

• Bipolar disorder has no full cure at this time, though the physical effects of it can be treated with medication. For example, increased appetite often associated with manic phases can be treated with a prescription of phentermine, an appetite suppressant that will help promote weight loss. Eszopiclone, a sleep aid, can regulate the body's clock by introducing melatonin into the bloodstream. In addition, aphrodisiacs or hormone suppressants--whichever is necessary--are available.