Looking back I have had two possible manic episodes, although I still have not been officially diagnosed, I am starting a mood stabilizer (200mg lamictal). After both episodes it seemed like it took my brain several months to recover, the first time the episode happened in 2009 it took me over 10 months to get back to 100% normal. This recent episode happened in July and im still not totally well, although much improved.
Do manic episodes damage the brain? My symptoms are low mood, inability to concentrate, low motivation, periods of bad anxiety, periods of feeling spacy/detected ect; it feels like my brain really took a hit-- it feels like its just not working 100%. My prefrontal cortex feels like it is not working, like it is heavy and/or empty at times. This is identical to what happened in 2009. If manic episodes do cause damage, is there any way to speed up the recovery? I read that lithium regenerates brain cells, will it help speed recovery? Also, does lamictal help heal the brain as well? This is really effecting my ability to work/take care of my life's responsibilities. Thank you for taking the time to read this and I really appreciate it.