Saccadic eye movementsĪ 2013 review considered a number of studies exploring the involvement of saccadic eye movements and psychiatric conditions. There is, however, some evidence to suggest bipolar disorder can involve changes in eye movements. In other words, no actual evidence supports these anecdotes. To date, no scientific studies have explored changes in eye color or shape as a result of bipolar disorder. They might also blink more often, due to the dryness and irritation that can accompany lack of sleep. Someone who isn’t getting the right amount of sleep might have more bloodshot eyes.Someone who always feels tired and fatigued might have trouble focusing and keeping their eyes open.It’s also worth keeping in mind that both depression and mania can lead to changes in sleeping habits, which might affect the eyes. People living with bipolar disorder can still experience these common emotions, whether they’re having a mood episode or not. Keep in mind, too, that plenty of everyday experiences can prompt feelings of excitement, fear, or anger. Some people simply have more expressive faces. Anger and irritability could appear very clearly in facial expressions, including the eyes - but not necessarily for everyone. These emotions may feel more overwhelming and difficult to manage. inability to stop laughing despite a sense of worthlessness or despair.irritability and anger combined with racing thoughts and fast speech.low mood accompanied by extreme energy and restlessness.Mixed features mood episodes involve both mania and depression symptoms, such as: If you don’t notice any sparkling or color changes, you might assume they’re just fine and fail to notice other key signs. Maybe you look for changes in a loved one’s eyes to recognize when they’re having a mood episode.If you suspect you could have bipolar disorder but don’t notice anything different about your eyes, you might put off seeking professional support and treatment.Sure, some people with bipolar disorder (or their loved ones) might notice some changes in their eyes and gaze during a mood episode.īut since this won’t necessarily hold true for everyone, this assumption can be unhelpful, if not downright harmful. The release of this hormone can, again, lead to pupil dilation. Noradrenaline, while similar to adrenaline, isn’t quite the same, but the body may produce more of either in response to stress, trauma, and fear. Research from 2016 also connected the hormone noradrenaline to manic episodes. Since delusions and hallucinations can feel frightening, pupils may dilate in response. Symptoms of psychosis, including delusions or hallucinations, can also happen during manic episodes. Of course, bipolar disorder involves more than just excitement and high energy. Excitement, for example, could easily lead to wider eyes, or eyes that seem to shine and sparkle. Eyes can certainly reflect these mood shifts. Read on to learn what scientific evidence has to say about “bipolar eyes.”ĭo eyes actually change during mood episodes?įor many people, mania does involve increased excitability, energy, and restlessness. Some people even suggest you can see mania in someone’s eyes.īipolar disorder can, in fact, affect the eyes - but not in the way you might think. Mania itself is often stereotyped, too: shopping sprees, heightened sexuality, increased creativity, and productivity. Yet this “classic” presentation of bipolar 1, often seen in movies and TV, is how most people understand the condition. In short, there’s a lot more to the condition than the euphoric high of mania followed by the plummeting low of depression. Four or more mood episodes in a year typically leads to a diagnosis of rapid cycling bipolar disorder. What’s more, shifts to mania, hypomania, or depression happen infrequently for some people - but far more often for others. This diagnosis reflects mood symptoms that, while consistent with bipolar disorder, don’t quite align with the other types. Not only do three main types exist, it’s also possible to have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder not otherwise specified. Share on Pinterest Lucas Ottone/Stocksy Unitedīipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition that can show up in very different ways.
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