You are here:
- Home
- Health/Fitness
- Mental Health
- Bipolar Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder and Appetite
Bipolar Disorder/Bipolar Disorder and Appetite
Advertisement
Question
Hi. :) Lately it seems I have lost the desire to eat. Is
this normal with bipolar disorder? Though I do go through
natural cycles with eating and food, (seasonal and hormonal,
I'm sure) this time it has persisted for several months with
no letting up. I was recently put on a new medication for
lack of energy. When told it could affect my appetite, I
replied I couldn't see how it could make it any worse, and
it hasn't. But my weight is slowly dropping. Already I'm
underweight with a small frame. Either I have no desire to
eat at all, or begin to eat and after a few bites just lose
steam. Normally I love food. I love to cook and try new
foods, and this is taking away one of the things I find
pleasurable in life. I cannot eat in the morning at all.
Just the thought of it makes me feel ill. It's well after
noon before I even feel like attempting it, because my
stomach is always queasy. I will also say I am not in a
manic or depressive or hypomanic episode, which I do know
causes changes in appetite. I don't want to lose any more
weight, and would even like to gain some. I am also
concerned about my health, and have no doubt this is
connected to my lack of energy as well as other things. Is
this normal with bipolar disorder? What should I do?
Thanks:)
I've found that just about anything is normal to the individual experience; I know a lot of people who do quite well taking abilify, whereas when I took the same medication it accumulated in my system and could have put me into a coma if I hadn't called the doctor when I did. That being said, anyone who is having side effects that are bothering them to a significant degree should contact their doctor to figure out a solution to the problem - any doctor worth going to will be willing to adjust/change what they're prescribing for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Whether or not your side effects are significantly bothersome should be your call to make; personally, if it's been several months without much interest in eating and nausea, I'd call the doctor asap.
Related Articles
- Diagnosing a Hypomanic Episode – DSM Criteria for Diagnosing a Hypomanic Episode
- What is Bipolar II Disorder - Bipolar 2 Disorder - Bipolar Type 2
- Forms of Bipolar Disorder - Bipolar II Disorder
- Bipolar Disorder - Definition of Bipolar Disorder
- nitrogen cycle - a definition of the aquarium term nitrogen cycle
Answers by Expert:
Jennifer
Expertise
I am available to answer questions of a general nature about bipolar disorder, provide online resources that address bipolar disorder in a more in-depth manner and sources to serve as a starting point for those looking for substantial information on the illness from a healthcare professional approach. I am not a doctor or a psychiatrist, my background is based in personal experience and extensive reading in my own process of understanding my diagnosis. I can also take questions that deal with the social issues surrounding bipolar disorder such as relationships; coping for family, friends, and the patient; marriage, choosing to start a family and related. Answers to questions of a legal nature will provide general information but anyone with a serious legal problem should consult an attorney licensed to practice in their jurisdiction.
Experience
I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder type II in 2000; as a SSI beneficiary, have experience and knowledge of the limitations and processes involved with the program; I understand the moods, the feelings, the worries, the doubts, and a lot more that there's not enough room to express - from the personal experiences of being bipolar. I have first-hand experience with the challenges of returning to college following hospitalizations and various combinations of medications that were tried before my doctor and I finally arrived at the most effective medication program for my treatment. My family and I have learned so much about each other in the process of dealing with the highs and lows that followed my diagnosis. I've had relationships with someone who also is bipolar and someone that is not - romantic relationships are no easier on either side! I feel that many of the ideas and beliefs that people have regarding bipolar disorder and those who have the condition promote the continuation of social stigmas associated with mental illness in general, and after learning from others with bipolar disorder, hope to guide others who may be trying to navigate the government health care system,& share information on other possible means of obtaining assistance with the cost of medications and/or mental health services and limited financial assistance programs for meeting basic living expenses for qualified individuals, dealing with problems from or with family & loved ones, co-occurring substance abuse problems, medications and side-effects (and when it feels like nothing will work, or why it's not helping the situation to ask whether or not a patient has taken their 'meds' when they seem hostile or moody to those around them).
Education/Credentials
I have a B.A. in Liberal Arts and will earn my J.D. upon completion of the Spring 2011 term after which I will be preparing to take the multi-state bar exam.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.