Research

Is There a Link Between Hypothyroidism and Bipolar Disorder? Bipolar disorder is a complex mental health condition distinguished by extreme mood shifts. Hypothyroidism is a state in which a person suffers from abnormally low thyroid gland activity, resulting in metabolic changes in adults. The symptoms between these two illnesses are remarkably similar, which leads to misdiagnoses and improper treatment.  Our holistic approach to mental health encourages us to consider how underlying physical conditions, like hypothyroidism, might impact mental health disorders. By understanding how hypothyroidism can exacerbate or even mimic symptoms of bipolar disorder, we gain new insights into the importance of a whole-body approach to managing mental health. Understanding the Connection Between the Thyroid and Mental Health The thyroid gland, located at the base of the neck, produces hormones that regulate energy, metabolism, and mood. The body’s ability to regulate these essential functions diminishes when the thyroid is not performing sufficiently, as in hypothyroidism. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, depression, memory problems, weight gain, and slowed cognitive function.   Thyroid dysfunction can directly impact mental health by disrupting neurotransmitter balance, affecting mood stability and cognition. Since neurotransmitters are essential for mood regulation, an underperforming thyroid can lead to symptoms that overlap significantly with mood disorders like bipolar disorder. This overlap can often result in misdiagnoses, where individuals with hypothyroidism might be diagnosed with bipolar disorder when, in reality, addressing their thyroid dysfunction could alleviate their mental health symptoms. In the case that hypothyroidism is a comorbidity, addressing the thyroid gland can significantly lower bipolar symptoms. Symptoms Overlap Between Hypothyroidism and Bipolar Disorder There is a significant overlap in symptoms between hypothyroidism and bipolar disorder, particularly in the depressive phase. Many symptoms of hypothyroidism—such as fatigue, irritability, cognitive slowing, and depression—can also be present in bipolar disorder.This overlap can be particularly challenging when it comes to diagnosis. For instance, during a depressive phase, a person with bipolar disorder may experience severe fatigue, weight changes, and low mood—all of which are also common in hypothyroidism. Conversely, untreated or undiagnosed hypothyroidism may cause mental health symptoms that are wrongly attributed to bipolar disorder, leading to treatment that addresses symptoms without tackling the underlying cause. Unfortunately, in cases where hypothyroidism is undiagnosed, individuals might receive mood stabilizers or antidepressants, which can be ineffective or even counterproductive if thyroid issues remain unaddressed.  Hypothyroidism’s Impact on Neurotransmitters and Mood One key area of research in modern psychiatry is the role of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, dopamine, oxytocin, and norepinephrine, in mood regulation. Hypothyroidism affects the brain’s ability to produce and regulate these neurotransmitters, leading to emotional instability and cognitive difficulties, which may present as symptoms similar to bipolar disorder.  Low thyroid hormone levels can cause a reduction in dopamine, the neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of motivation and pleasure. This decrease in dopamine can result in anhedonia — a loss of interest in enjoyable activities—, low motivation, and feelings of hopelessness. Meanwhile, low serotonin levels, often seen in hypothyroidism, contribute to depression and anxiety. This hormonal imbalance can create the emotional rollercoaster that individuals with bipolar disorder frequently experience.  A Holistic Path to Healing In conventional medicine today, endocrinologists will administer medication and supplements like selenium for individuals with hypothyroidism. At BP Harmony, we are a proponent of integrative, root-cause medicine, advocating for approaches that consider the whole person rather than merely treating symptoms. We argue that conventional treatments often overlook underlying physical causes, like hypothyroidism, that may be contributing to mental health issues.  Hence, we recommend a comprehensive approach for those diagnosed with bipolar disorder that involves screening for thyroid dysfunction alongside other underlying health conditions that might be influencing mental health. Our approach includes working with integrative medicine physicians, making nutritional changes, detoxification, and lifestyle modifications supporting thyroid and mental health.  Nutritional Support for the Thyroid: Diet is one of the foundational elements we emphasize for supporting thyroid health. We suggest minimizing processed foods, refined sugars, and inflammatory substances, which can contribute to hypothyroidism. Instead, a diet rich in whole foods, notably those high in iodine, selenium, and zinc, can support thyroid function. Sea vegetables, seafood, nuts, and whole grains offer nutrients that boost thyroid health, which may positively impact mood stability. Moreover, consider eliminating gluten and dairy, as these two food types are often at the root of thyroid dysfunction. Learn more about the best diet for bipolar disorder here. Detoxification: Toxins such as heavy metals and endocrine disruptors (often found in household chemicals and certain foods) can impair thyroid function. We encourage reducing exposure to these toxins by opting for natural cleaning products, avoiding plastic containers, and choosing organic foods when possible. Detoxification practices such as sweating through exercise or sauna use and consuming antioxidant-rich foods can help the body eliminate these harmful substances. Mindfulness and Stress Reduction: Chronic stress negatively affects both thyroid and mental health, with elevated cortisol levels inhibiting thyroid hormone production. BP Harmony’s approach includes stress-reduction techniques like meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises to lower cortisol levels and support thyroid health. By reducing stress, individuals can foster an environment where mental and thyroid health can improve. Addressing Nutritional Deficiencies: Hypothyroidism is sometimes linked to deficiencies in essential nutrients like vitamin D, B12, and iron. The latest medical research from Harvard Medical School and Cleveland Clinic recommends getting tested for deficiencies and supplementing as necessary, as these nutrients play a critical role in thyroid function and neurotransmitter synthesis. Addressing these nutritional needs through food and supplements if they are incredibly deficient can support overall mood stability and energy levels. The Path Forward This blog post begins to shed light on the intricate relationship between hypothyroidism and bipolar disorder. By understanding how thyroid health can influence mood and mental well-being, individuals with bipolar disorder may have the opportunity to address an underlying physical cause of their symptoms, potentially improving mood stability and overall quality of life.If you or someone you know has bipolar disorder and exhibits symptoms of hypothyroidism, it may be worthwhile to explore this connection with a

Severe Psychosis & Bipolar Disorder – Are They Linked? Living with bipolar disorder often means dealing with extreme mood swings. People with this condition can feel the fast, dizzy excitement of mania and the deep, heavy sadness of depression. In this blog post, we will talk about one serious effect of bipolar disorder: psychosis. When someone has their first manic episode and doesn’t know they have bipolar disorder, they might feel very energetic, super confident, and like nothing can stop them. These feelings can make them sleep very little, believe they are more important than they really are, spend too much money, and act in unusual ways. Staying in this high-energy state can be dangerous. If you add stress, drug or alcohol use, or trauma, the person could develop psychosis. The relationship between bipolar disorder and psychosis makes life even harder for people with this condition. To understand this better, let’s look at the main ways these two experiences connect. For more guidance on bipolar disorder, check out our book and masterclass to reclaim control of your life. You can also check out our free resources.  Panic Amid the Chaos: A First Look at Bipolar Disorder and Psychosis The Oxford Dictionary says psychosis is “a severe mental condition in which thought and emotions are so affected that contact is lost with external reality.” This means that if someone with mania loses touch with what is real, they have reached a psychotic state. For people with bipolar disorder, going back and forth between mania and depression can feel confusing and overwhelming. Now, imagine how much scarier it gets when they also start to lose touch with reality. This is what happens when someone has a manic episode with psychotic features. When a person experiences psychosis, they might feel stuck in a storm of fear and confusion. They can’t always tell the difference between what is real and what is not. Panic often takes over. Some people say they feel chased by thoughts, images, or sounds that aren’t really there. This can cause them to act in ways that are unusual, unpredictable, and sometimes dangerous. Psychosis and Mania When we talk about bipolar disorder, especially in its most serious forms, we are talking about more than just mood swings. Sometimes, mania can become much more severe and include psychotic features. This means someone with mania might not only feel overly happy, irritable, or full of energy, but they could also lose touch with reality. For some people, this means they hear voices or see things that aren’t really there  (hallucinations). Others might have delusions, which are strong beliefs that aren’t true. For example, a person might believe they are the president while sitting in their living room, or think they have been chosen to save the world. These hallucinations and delusions feel completely real to the person, even if others around them are confused or worried. Some people with psychosis believe they see secret messages in lights, colors, numbers, or even videos online. This can make their thoughts and actions feel confusing and out of control, and it can be very hard for them to come back to reality. It’s important to know that bipolar mania with psychotic features is not rare. More than half of people with bipolar disorder will experience psychosis at some point in their lives. Psychosis and Depression Psychosis usually happens more often during manic episodes, but it can also show up during very bad depressive episodes. This means a person with bipolar disorder might go back and forth between deep depression and mania, and sometimes have psychotic symptoms during both. When someone is in a major depressive episode, they might feel extremely hopeless, guilty, or worthless. If psychosis happens at the same time, these feelings can turn into strong false beliefs or seeing and hearing things that make the negative thoughts worse. For example, a person might believe they caused something terrible to happen, or they might hear voices telling them to do something harmful. Sometimes, they may even see or hear memories that are so real, it feels like they are living through the scary event again, which can cause a lot of fear and panic. These strong mood swings and psychotic symptoms can make bipolar disorder very unpredictable and dangerous. It’s not just about feeling really happy or really sad; it’s also about the risk of losing touch with reality during both mania and depression, which makes bipolar disorder much more serious than just a mood problem. Guardrails to Protect Against Psychosis For people living with bipolar disorder, especially when psychosis is involved, it’s very important to manage the condition well. Doctors usually treat bipolar disorder with medication like mood stabilizers (such as lithium or valproate) and antipsychotics. These medicines help control mood swings and psychotic symptoms. Psychotherapy (talk therapy) is also helpful. It teaches people how to spot triggers, handle stress, and develop coping skills for dealing with mania, depression, and psychosis. Family and friends play a big role in helping someone with psychosis. Experts suggest that a person the individual trusts should: Listen carefully and notice if their thoughts don’t match reality. Ask if these thoughts are new or if they’ve always had them. If the thoughts are new, gently point out that things have changed. Show concern and invite the person to think about how their life has changed. Offer support by saying you’ll help them figure things out together, instead of just saying they need help. Telling someone they need help might make them push others away. It can be very hard for someone deep in psychosis to realize they’re not seeing reality. That’s why it’s important for a trusted person, psychiatrist, and therapist to work together. If the person is at risk of hurting themselves or others, it’s safest to get them proper medical care right away—sometimes this means going to the hospital. Conclusion The link between bipolar disorder and psychosis is complex. Not everyone with bipolar disorder will have psychotic symptoms, but for

Can Eyes Reveal The Truth About Bipolar Disorder Many people search for “bipolar eyes” or wonder what manic or depressive eyes look like. It’s a common curiosity: can the eyes reveal shifts in mood even before a full episode becomes obvious? This article explores what eye changes may appear during mania or depression, why people associate them with bipolar disorder, and why these traits are not reliable diagnostic markers. What Are Bipolar Eyes? (Myth vs Reality) Is there such a thing as having bipolar eyes? At the root of this question is the desire for a clear, external marker, a signal that could confirm whether someone is entering mania or depression. I understand that search. When my own symptoms were confusing and overwhelming, I longed for anything that could offer clarity. This article dives into general tendencies in the eyes during mood episodes; however, I cannot say these patterns offer any true hallmarks. Even lifestyle medical writers acknowledge that evidence for “bipolar eyes” is inconclusive. I have not found reputable medical journals documenting the phenomenon. And in my own years of working with psychiatrists, not one ever examined my eyes as part of assessing mania or depression. So my position remains: “bipolar eyes” are a myth. Certain eye changes may accompany mood states, but they’re not universal, not diagnostic, and not exclusive to bipolar disorder. For deeper guidance on bipolar disorder, you’re welcome to explore our book or masterclass. Why People Think the Eyes Change During Mood Episodes People naturally look to the eyes because they reflect emotion, sleep, and stress. When moods swing dramatically, it makes sense to wonder whether eyes could provide a visual clue, especially for loved ones trying to understand what’s happening. But in reality, many factors unrelated to bipolar disorder can influence how our eyes look, including lighting, fatigue, anxiety, and physical health. General Eye Characteristics during Depression Bipolar depression is an intensely personal, complex experience. My own episodes brought brain fog, poor memory, migraines, feelings of worthlessness, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Others describe a loss of appetite, asexuality, drained energy, or a sense of profound nothingness. Here are general eye-related tendencies some people notice during depressive episodes. These are descriptive, not diagnostic and based on lived experience and common patterns. Avoiding Eye ContactDeep inner turmoil often leads to avoiding eye contact. I’ve avoided looking at others because it felt like my eyes would reveal the storm inside. Shame and worthlessness frequently play a role. Looking DownwardDepression can make the entire body feel heavy. The gaze naturally drops, matching the inward-turning posture. Even lifting the eyes can feel like effort. Blank StareRumination often traps a person in looping, negative thoughts. I’ve found myself staring into space for long stretches, not focused on anything outside, but lost entirely in my own mind. Physical Symptoms Due to Poor Sleep Depression and insomnia often go hand in hand. Common eye-area changes include: Dark circles — often tied to disrupted sleep A hollow appearance under the eyelids — connected to fatigue Visible blood vessels — strain and poor rest make them more pronounced An aged or tired appearance — general exhaustion reflected in the face Puffiness or bags — fluid retention from poor sleep Squinted eyes — which, for me, sometimes accompanied migraines These traits are common in many conditions, not exclusive to bipolar depression. For more in-depth, guidance on bipolar disorder, consider purchasing our book or masterclass to support us.  General Eye Characteristics during Mania Mania affects the body in vivid, sometimes overwhelming ways. And while I maintain that there’s no such thing as true “manic eyes”, certain eye expressions can accompany the emotional and physical intensity of a manic state. Dilated PupilsDuring mania, adrenaline surges, sleep decreases, and energy spikes, all of which can cause pupils to dilate. Substance use or intense anger can also play a role. However, dilated pupils are not proof of mania. “Sparkling” Eyes or an Over-Bright ExpressionMania can make the world feel fascinating, electrifying, and full of possibility. I’ve felt that pleasurable tingling in the brain, the sense that everything is vivid and meaningful. That inner intensity sometimes shows in the eyes as a bright, wide, or “liquid” appearance. Loved ones may find this unsettling. Eyes Appearing Darker or “Black” I’ve seen anecdotal reports from others describing eyes turning black during mania. I want to be clear: I’ve found no medical evidence for actual color change. What’s more likely is extremely dilated pupils or lighting effects that make the eyes look darker. Again, this does not mean someone is manic simply because their eyes look different. Other Reasons Eye Appearance Can Change (Not Bipolar) Many eye changes associated with bipolar episodes also appear in: Sleep deprivation Anxiety or panic Migraine Substance effects Sinus pressure or allergies Dim or bright lighting Simple variations in emotion This overlap makes it difficult to attribute eye changes exclusively to bipolar disorder. Understanding it All If some of the descriptions of bipolar eyes, manic eyes, or depressive eyes resonate with you, that’s completely valid. Eye expression can shift during mood changes because the eyes often mirror what’s happening internally, emotionally, physically, and physiologically. However, the science does not support the idea that the eyes alone can diagnose bipolar disorder. They are clues, not conclusions. If you or a loved one notice consistent patterns, write them down. Patterns, over time, can be helpful to share with a qualified mental health professional. But if your doctor doesn’t give these eye changes much weight, trust your intuition: use them as signals, not certainties, as you learn how to maintain balance. For more in-depth guidance on bipolar disorder, consider supporting us through our book or masterclass. For more, in depth, guidance on bipolar disorder, consider purchasing our book or masterclass to support us.  FAQ About Bipolar Eyes and Mood-Related Eye Changes Are “bipolar eyes” real? Not as a diagnostic marker. Eye changes can reflect emotion, sleep, and stress, but they cannot confirm bipolar disorder. What do manic eyes look like? Some people describe