Is bipolar disorder a progressive disease that can get worse as time goes on?

Boyfriend, daughter, and stepson are all bipolar. Boyfriend is having more and more difficulty with memory. Someone told him his disorder was progressive. I have never heard this in all the research I did when my daughter was diagnosed.

Answers:
I heard it was progressive too, but here is where his doctor being proactive comes in. Make sure he has a good doctor that stays up on all the newest medications and such. I think that fine tuning medications, diet, exercise, he can also get some help with memory with simple things like putting keys in the dish by the door only.

The symptoms (related to deppressive and manic states) can progress if they don't take their meds.meds are very important to maintain as normal of life as possible.
Though bipolar disorder cannot be cured it can be treated very effectively. I have never heard it described as a progressive disorder.

These sites may help you if you have not already seen them.
I would be running away with 3 having bi polar because my 1 son is enough to handle. His doctors (3) told us that no it does not have to be progressive BUT yes it could be progressive, only time will tell. Alta Vista is a medical web site that i refer to when i need medical information. you might try it. Good Luck.
Having bipolar illness is no cakewalk. I have dealt with it since 1977. My own case got progressively worse, but very slowly. I have learned many coping skills and what has helped me the most was being put on disability seven years ago. An online psychiatrist told me that through the years he has seen about one-third of cases get worse over time, one-third stay about the same, and one-third get improve.
Taking measures to prevent relapses and taking medicine religiously are of utmost importance. A person really has to listen to their doctor and or case manager and read every book you can get on the subject. The scariest part about this disorder is that it is considered "kindling". Everytime you experience an episode it can make your overall case worsen. Excellent books exist out there about managing your illness.
As far as memory problems go, I know that lithium is known for harming memory--again there are many ways to cope. Don't give up.
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