Will Bipolar Disorder Treatment Affect Memory of Past Events?

Will individuals forget events that occurred before the onset of bipolar disorder after completing treatment?

Hello doctor, I would like to ask about my mother.
She has bipolar disorder along with a history of alcohol addiction, and she is currently receiving treatment in the hospital.
She keeps telling us that after her treatment, she wants to divorce my father.
Will she forget what she has said? She is currently undergoing alcohol withdrawal and has been given infusions that make her drowsy; she appears to have a vacant stare and lacks energy.
During her manic episodes, she also experiences anorexia.
The doctor mentioned that treating her alcohol addiction could pose life-threatening risks.
As family members, what should we do? The doctor said that suddenly stopping alcohol could lead to risks.
Will she fully recover after treatment? Will she forget what she has said? Are the symptoms during a relapse the same as her original condition? Thank you, doctor!

Xiao Ya, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/04

Dr. Zhang Gengjia reply Psychiatry

Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for your message.
Addiction disorders are not only a type of brain disease but have also been confirmed as a highly heritable physiological condition, with a genetic coefficient higher than that of Parkinson's disease or asthma.
Treatment is the most effective way to change the impact of the disease on the patient's life.
The issue of addiction is significant; long-term alcohol consumption leads to a loss of control and choice.
Accepting addiction treatment is urgent.
Chia Nan Psychiatric Hospital serves as a core medical facility in the southern region.
If your mother does not have any major physiological conditions that our hospital cannot manage (such as severe cirrhosis, hepatic encephalopathy, upper gastrointestinal bleeding, or progressive pancreatitis), we can consider assisting her with hospitalization to manage severe withdrawal symptoms due to alcohol addiction (such as alcohol-related psychiatric symptoms, seizures, or delirium).

For other self-funded inpatient alcohol withdrawal treatments, it is recommended to have an assessment at our alcohol addiction outpatient clinic.
Our outpatient clinic physicians can provide: specialized psychotherapy, laboratory test explanations (referrals to general psychiatry may be needed based on data and physical examination), adjustments to alcohol cessation medications if alcohol intake decreases or attempts to quit are made, and enhancement of motivation for sobriety (consider referrals to alcohol support groups or family therapy).
If there is continuous improvement, the outpatient physician will determine whether to discontinue detoxification medications based on the patient's sobriety status and will enhance motivation for sobriety, transition to aversion therapy medications (with informed consent), or medications for craving reduction, or may refer the patient to participate in alcohol refusal groups.
I hope this information is helpful to you, and I wish your mother a speedy recovery.
Sincerely,
Dr.
Chang Geng-Jia
General Psychiatry, Chia Nan Psychiatric Hospital

Reply Date: 2016/04/04

More Info

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, can significantly affect a person's cognitive functions, including memory. When treating bipolar disorder, especially in conjunction with substance use disorders like alcohol dependence, various factors can influence memory and cognitive clarity.
Firstly, the medications used to treat bipolar disorder, such as mood stabilizers and antipsychotics, can have side effects that impact cognitive functions. Some patients report experiencing memory issues, confusion, or difficulty concentrating while on these medications. Additionally, the state of being in a manic or depressive episode can also affect memory. During manic phases, individuals may have racing thoughts that can lead to fragmented memories, while depressive episodes can result in cognitive slowing and difficulty with recall.

In your mother's case, her current treatment for both bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence may involve medications that can cause sedation or drowsiness, which could further impair her cognitive functions temporarily. The "point drip" you mentioned may contain sedative medications that help manage withdrawal symptoms but can also lead to confusion or disorientation, contributing to her forgetfulness.

Regarding her statements about wanting to divorce your father, it is essential to understand that during periods of instability—whether due to manic or depressive episodes—patients may express thoughts or feelings that do not reflect their true intentions once they stabilize. Memory lapses can occur, and she may not fully recall what she said during these times. This is particularly true if she is experiencing cognitive fog due to medication or the effects of alcohol withdrawal.

As for the risks associated with alcohol withdrawal, it is crucial to approach this process carefully. Sudden cessation of alcohol can lead to severe withdrawal symptoms, including delirium tremens, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is vital that her treatment is managed by healthcare professionals who can monitor her closely during this period.

In terms of recovery, many individuals with bipolar disorder can achieve significant improvement with appropriate treatment, including medication and therapy. However, the journey can be complex, and while some may experience a return to their previous cognitive functions, others may have lingering effects. It is essential to maintain open communication with her healthcare team, as they can provide tailored advice and adjustments to her treatment plan based on her progress.

As family members, your role is to provide support and understanding. Encourage her to engage in her treatment plan, attend therapy sessions, and participate in support groups if available. It is also beneficial to educate yourselves about bipolar disorder and alcohol dependence to better understand her experiences and challenges.

In summary, memory issues can arise from both bipolar disorder and the treatment process, especially when combined with alcohol dependence. Your mother's statements may not be reliable reflections of her true feelings, and her cognitive functions may improve as her treatment progresses. Continuous support and communication with her healthcare providers will be crucial in navigating this challenging time.

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