That is a really good topic to bring up when you see your doctor or therapist. Before my therapy appointments, I get one sheet of paper and write down things I want to discuss during the session. What you just posted is just the kind of thing I outline in my notes to talk to my therapist about.

I know mania can push my stress level way up and using all that energy makes me exhausted. I don't think the symptoms of bipolar by themselves have a cumulative effect. Maybe you're experiencing acute, high stress?

High stress, low stress, manic or depressed, you have an amazing amount of insight and clarity of thought to be able to write this discussion post. Way to go TC40!

I hope you feel better soon. Please don't wait too long to see a medical professional. In my personal experience, when I have intense symptoms I can't do a 'self assessment'. It's hard for me to look at myself objectively. I hope you can trust your therapist and/or doctor to substitute their educated, professional opinion for your judgement that may or may not be impaired by symptoms.

You're doing a great job! I like where your head is at. Keep up the good work.

Thank you, Alan!! I will get ahold of my pdoc tomorrow and see about getting her advice. Ty for making me feel, well...smarter than I actually feel!! The amount of stress I have been under has been enough to put me in a rehab unit for depression and anxiety. I am not sure how much more I can take. I'm must be stronger than I think.

Stress makes me uber stupid!! And I do what Alan does: make a list of things to talk ab at my appts. I even have to write details ab each topic bc just a few words to say, hey talk ab new job, isn't enough! Also, idk if you take lithium, but that makes me stupid as well. It's difficult to deal with, I know. I hope your doc can help... ((hugs))

Some research shows that bipolar does in fact cause cognitive loss.

When I am manic or depressed or just under too much stress I can barely recall what I did 10 minutes earlier. I think that over time bipolar individuals can experience cognitive loss as well. I haven't researched it myself but that is what I have been told. I think you did a great job communicating how you are feeling and you are stronger than you think you are!! Hang in there and get to a pdoc to get his opinion of these issues you are having. Hugs.

I have cognitive trouble when I am stressed.

I have short term memory problems. Don't know if it's caused by Bipolar or is it just Age?

I have cognitive problems on a daily basis and I know it's my meds. I'm on a fair amount of benzo's so that makes it much worse. I filled out applications for jobs with the wrong telephone number! I hate that. I hate that I used to be a smart professional now I don't think I could run a cash register. Sad.

I know that the meds for bipolar CAN cause significant cognitive impairment -- whether that's cumulative or not I don't know.....

I am right where you are. It is like this- we are not stupid but are brains somehow get stuck.

I actually carry a note pad with me to write down what I'm going to do, what I was thinking a moment ago, where I put things down. As ridiculous as It sounds, I would be totally lost.

Sometimes I "pause ".when I'm thinking about what I'm doing too hard. I get "stuck" and can't move, I'm miles away. Body and mind just freeze. When Mike's home, he has to shake me or yell my name really loud. It's the Lamictal and Seroquel my Pdoc says and it happens to a lot of her patients.

I suffer from extreme panic/anxiety attacks every day all day. I'm on Xanax 4 times a day and when they get really bad I take Vistaril. I once had an IQ of 136 now I'm talking baby talk to my dog. Can you imagine how frustrating that is? I'd never take that test again, I'm too scared.

I'm taking zyprexa and I've noticed that it's made me "stupid" too. I draw blanks a lot of the time and often have words on the tip of my tongue and can't say what in my brainl, it's hard to make out into words.

Alan is right. Write EVERYTHING down before your appointment. Stress can cause it and many other things. Mine is mostly caused from my Fibromyalgia, but stress is another culprit. Please write it all down and let us know!! Hugs GB

I've found my memory has deteriorated over the years since my bipolar has gotten worse. I have to make notes and keep track of everything on my phone or I won't remember anything. The good part is when i'm hypomanic my mind is sharp as a whip.