Here's Why Memory Blackouts Are Common With Bipolar Disorder

Anyone who has experienced a bipolar blackout understands the feeling of realizing that their brain has gone "offline" without their knowledge. Blackouts occur when a person experiences a period of memory loss during and after an episode. When they don't recall saying things, doing things, or acting out in specific ways during manic phases, this is what's known as a bipolar blackout. Bipolar blackouts can be terrifying. They leave a person feeling frustrated because they are being told that events and conversations took place by others. It can feel like they are left to pick up the pieces of what they did and said when they were not in control of their own brains. For loved ones of people with bipolar, realizing that events have been "wiped clean" from the other person's memory can be jarring.

Understanding Memory Lapses in Bipolar Disorder

People with bipolar disorder (BD) frequently experience memory lapses. Even people with bipolar who don't experience full blackouts may experience "fuzziness" in their memories and perceptions. Between 40% and 60% of people with bipolar disorder experience memory loss. Why does it happen? Researchers believe that memory loss associated with bipolar disorder is caused by cognitive fatigue. Through brain imaging, researchers have also discovered that areas of the brain in people with BP show variances in brain volume compared to people without BP. This includes a part of the brain called the hippocampus that's in charge of creating new memories and learning. Volume differences have also been noted in the thalamus, prefrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex.

According to a 2023 research article on Cognitive Impairment Mechanism in Patients with Bipolar Disorder, people who are diagnosed with bipolar have cognitive impairments that occur during both the mood episode, as well as during remission. These impairments include deficits in executive function, as well as memory and attention.

The authors also share that researchers’ analysis of visual motor skills, immediate emotional and non-emotional memory, language fluency, delayed emotional processing, and problem-solving revealed that patients with bipolar disorder exhibited deficits in short-term memory and verbal fluency. How to Minimize Bipolar Memory Loss Issues

Fortunately, bipolar memory loss can be managed. In order to prevent bipolar blackouts, it's essential to reduce the occurrence of manic episodes. For the millions of people who are successfully managing their bipolar disorder symptoms, this generally includes close psychiatric monitoring and medication management. It's important for people who are being treated for bipolar disorder to stay on medications to prevent manic episodes and minimize memory loss. Generally, mood stabilizers and antipsychotics that are prescribed to bipolar patients have high success rates for minimizing symptoms. 

cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Additionally, therapies that include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be successful for helping people with bipolar to manage their condition using behavioral and thought techniques. Research indicates that psychotherapies are effective complements to pharmacotherapy for delaying or preventing episodes of bipolar depression. Some people who are overwhelmed by bipolar symptoms or concerned about hitting a crisis point can benefit from intensive outpatient therapy (IOP) or day hospitalization programs.

Of course, maintaining a healthy, positive lifestyle overall is crucial for properly managing bipolar disorder. Exercising, maintaining a balanced diet full of brain-supporting foods, and reducing alcohol intake can all help people with BP to maintain healthier memories. However, lifestyle changes and holistic treatments that support overall health and well-being create adjunctive benefits only once a person with BD has been stabilized with properly prescribed bipolar medications.