What Are the Side Effects of Bipolar Disorder?

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression, is a serious mental condition that onsets around late adolescence. Bipolar disorder develops in individuals who are genetically predisposed through their mother's side and is characterized by oscillating moods of abnormal mania and severe depression. The side effects of the disorder depend on which side of the spectrum the individual is at the current moment. While most of the side effects of bipolar disorder are mental, there can be several physical side effects that manifest as well.

Emotional Manic Side Effects

• Individuals in a manic episode may experience a range of emotional side effects, which include impulsiveness, severe agitation, increased sexual desire or rapid speech patterns.

Physical Manic Side Effects

• During a period of mania, an individual can experience weight loss, perspiration and diarrhea as physical side effects of the disorder. Piercings and tattoos can also be considered physical side effects as a result of impulsive behavior.

Emotional Depressive Side Effects

• Patients who are suffering from a depressive episode will experience low mood, paranoia, hopelessness and increased anxiety as emotional side effects of the disorder.

Physical Depressive Side Effects

• Lethargy, sluggishness, oversleeping and overeating are common physical side effects of bipolar disorder. Any self harm due to suicidal or depressive thoughts can also be considered physical side effects.

Psychosis

• Psychotic breaks are a side effect of the condition that can occur in either manic or depressive episodes; however, they are more common in instances of mania.