Home » Misc » Alternative medicine for bipolar

Alternative medicine for bipolar


Bipolar Disorder: 10 Alternative Treatments

Overview

Some people with bipolar disorder have reported that using alternative treatments provides relief from symptoms. Scientific evidence supports many of the benefits in treating depression. But the effectiveness in treating bipolar disorder requires more research.

Always check with your doctor before starting any alternative treatments. Supplements and therapies may interact with your medication and cause unintended side effects. Alternative treatments shouldn’t replace traditional treatments or medications. Some people have reported feeling increased benefits when combining the two together.

Fish oil and fish are common sources of two of the three main types of omega-3 fatty acids:

  • eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)
  • docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)

These fatty acids may affect the chemicals in your brain associated with mood disorders.

Bipolar disorder seems to be less common in countries where people consume fish and fish oil. People with depression also tend to have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. Omega-3 fatty acids may help:

  • reduce irritability and aggression
  • maintain mood stability
  • reduce depression symptoms
  • improve brain function

You can take fish oil supplements to help reach this daily amount. However, fish oil supplements may have side effects that include:

  • nausea
  • heartburn
  • stomach pain
  • bloating
  • belching
  • diarrhea

Rhodiola rosea (arctic root or golden root) may help treat mild to moderate depression. R. rosea is a mild stimulant and may cause insomnia. Other side effects include vivid dreaming and nausea.

Ask your doctor before taking R. rosea, especially if you have a history of breast cancer. This herb binds with estrogen receptors and may increase your risk of breast cancer.

Results of a review of studies indicate that the supplement form of a substance that naturally occurs in the body, S-adenosylmethionine, may be beneficial for depression. This amino acid supplement may also be effective for bipolar disorder.

Some dosages of these supplements can cause serious side effects like triggering manic episodes. Talk with your doctor about proper dosages, and ask about how S-adenosylmethionine might interact with other medications you take.

This antioxidant helps reduce oxidative stress. Additionally, a review of the literature reported that in one randomized controlled trial of people with bipolar disorder, adding 2 grams of N-acetylcysteine per day to traditional medication for bipolar disorder led to significant improvement in depression, mania, and quality of life.

This water-soluble vitamin may be effective for symptoms of mania in people with rapid cycling bipolar disorder. Results of one study of six people with rapid cycling bipolar disorder who received 2,000 to 7,200 milligrams of choline per day (in addition to treatment with lithium) indicated improved manic symptoms.

Inositol is a synthetic vitamin that may help with depression. In one study, 66 people with bipolar disorder who were experiencing a major depressive episode that was resistant to a combination of mood stabilizers and one or more antidepressants, were also given inositol or another additional therapy for up to 16 weeks. Results of that study indicated that 17.4 percent of people who received inositol as additional therapy recovered from their depressive episode and had no mood episode symptoms for eight weeks.

Results of studies that evaluated the use of St. John’s wort for depression are mixed. One problem seems to be that the forms of St. John’s wort used have not been the same among studies. The dosages have also been different.

Stress complicates bipolar disorder. Several alternative treatments aim to reduce anxiety and stress. These treatments include:

  • massage therapy
  • yoga
  • acupuncture
  • meditation

Calming techniques can’t cure bipolar disorder. But they may help you manage your symptoms and be a valuable part of your treatment plan.

Erratic patterns and sleep deprivation may worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder. IPSRT is a type of psychotherapy. It aims to help people with bipolar disorder to:

  • maintain a regular routine
  • adopt good sleep habits
  • learn how to solve problems that interrupt their routine

IPSRT, in addition to your prescribed medications for bipolar disorder, may help to reduce the number of manic and depressive episodes you have.

Although lifestyle changes won’t treat bipolar disorder, certain changes may enhance your treatment and help to stabilize your mood. These changes include:

  • regular exercise
  • adequate sleep
  • healthy foods

Regular exercise

Exercise can also help stabilize moods. It can also help ease depression and increase sleep.

Adequate sleep

Adequate sleep can help stabilize your mood and reduce irritability. Tips to improve sleep include establishing a routine and creating a calm bedroom environment.

Healthy foods

Including fish and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet is good. However, consider reducing your intake of saturated and trans fats, which are linked to brain chemical imbalances.

Research indicates that alternative treatments may be helpful for bipolar disorder when they are used with traditional treatments. However, very little research about these treatments has been done. Alternative treatments shouldn’t replace your current treatment or medication for bipolar disorder.

Always talk to your doctor before starting an alternative treatment. Certain supplements may cause side effects with any medications you may be taking or may affect other conditions that you have.

Nondrug Therapies Help Bipolar Disorder

Written by Christine Lehmann, MA

In this Article

  • Lifestyle Changes
  • Mind and Body Practices
  • Supplements
  • What to Watch For

If you have bipolar disorder, the best treatment usually is a combination of medication and talk therapy. But many alternative or complementary therapies also may ease the symptoms of this lifelong condition and make you feel better.

In fact, good nutrition, regular exercise, plenty of sleep, and other steps may help prevent relapses.

Lifestyle Changes

Eat healthy foods. We know that omega-3 fatty acids are important for your brain to work right. And researchers have found a link between low levels of vitamin D and B vitamins in people with depression. They also think that eating a well-balanced diet may benefit people with bipolar disorder by giving you a better sense of control of your life. So eat a variety of foods, including whole grains, lots of fresh produce, lean meats, and salmon, tuna, and other fish with heart-healthy fats. Ask your doctor if you should take supplements.

Get enough sleep. This can be a challenge with bipolar disorder. You may sleep very little during a manic phase and barely get out of bed when you’re depressed. Lack of sleep can trigger a mood change. Getting enough ZZZs help both your mental and physical health.

A type of talk therapy called cognitive behavioral therapy may help with insomnia and lower the number of episodes of mania.

You may sleep better if you:

  • Aim for 8 hours and go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
  • Keep your room comfortable and dark.
  • Avoid screen time before turning in and instead take a bath, read, or do other relaxing activities.
  • Avoid large meals close to bedtime.

Get moving. Studies show exercise may ease your depression symptoms, improve your quality of life, and help you carry on with your day-to-day routine. But exercising too often or too hard may lead to mania. More research is needed to better understand the role of physical activity in bipolar disorder.

Mind and Body Practices

These are also called complementary or alternative therapies that you can add to traditional treatments such as medication.

Meditation. This may calm and relax your mind and can boost your concentration, lower your blood pressure, and curb anxiety.

Studies suggest that combining a meditation practice with cognitive-based mindfulness therapy (CBMT) can improve your depression symptoms and make you less anxious. Doing just CBMT can help ease symptoms of anxiety and depression and help you control your feelings. Doing just meditation sessions may help ease feelings of helplessness or hopelessness common in bipolar disorder.

Acupuncture. This can reduce stress and improve circulation and well-being. Acupuncture is generally safe when done by an experienced professional who uses sterile needles.

Acupuncture has been studied for psychiatric disorders including depression and PTSD, but the results are mixed. More studies are needed to know if it can benefit people with bipolar disorder.

Supplements

It’s usually best to get your vitamins and minerals from foods. Ask your doctor if supplements might help with your bipolar disorder.

Omega-3 fatty acids. Studies show that two specific kinds of omega-3s -- eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) -- may lower symptoms of depression.

Vitamin D. A study in the Netherlands found that people with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or schizoaffective disorder were almost five times more likely than others to lack enough vitamin D. Another study found that taking 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 daily improved symptoms of mania and depression in youth. Getting checked every year for vitamin D will tell you whether you have enough. The best sources of vitamin D are sunlight, fatty fish like salmon, and fish liver oil supplements.

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). This is used by your body to build antioxidants such as vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients that can protect and repair cells from damage. NAC supplements of 1 gram taken twice a day reduced symptoms of depression and improved how people function and their quality of life. NAC also improved depression symptoms in another study. But more research is needed to know for sure.

Choline, chromium, magnesium, and tryptophan. These may improve brain health and ease symptoms of mania. More studies are needed to confirm the findings.

What to Watch For

St. John’s wort. This herb is often used to treat depression. But it’s usually not recommended for bipolar disorder because it may lead to episodes of mania. St. John’s wort also may interact with your antidepressants.

Folate/ folic acid. If you take anticonvulsant drugs for your bipolar disorder, it can drop the levels of the vitamin folate in your body. But folate/folic acid supplements in turn can interfere with the effects of anticonvulsants.

Always let your doctor know about any supplements you’re taking or considering.

Treatment of bipolar disorder: what methods and drugs do doctors use?

Modern psychiatry is represented by new generation drugs, innovative approaches in psychotherapy. They are used in bipolar disorders. Patients should not be treated as if they were depression or schizophrenia - the drug regimen is selected depending on the phase and condition of the patient. If we are talking about depression, antidepressants are selected, if about mania, they are contraindicated, anxiolytics and sedatives are prescribed.

Submit an application for diagnosis and treatment

I confirm that I accept the terms of consent to the processing of personal data.

Bipolar personality disorder is quite complex in terms of the treatment of the disease. Building a therapy strategy can only be entrusted to an experienced psychiatrist. In no case should patients self-medicate, as this may lead to a worsening of the condition. Treatment is primarily medical, but psychotherapy and lifestyle changes are also recommended. The treatment regimen is selected by the doctor individually, depending on the characteristics of the course of the disease and the psychotype of the patient. Abuse of antidepressants or refusal to take medications with a temporary improvement in well-being can lead to complications, so the patient should be constantly under the supervision of the attending physician.

Treatment of bipolar disorder: what methods and drugs do doctors use?

If you or someone close to you suffers from bipolar disorder, do not delay seeking qualified help. The sooner you start treatment, the higher your chances of success. Timely and effective treatment of bipolar disorder relieves its symptoms, reduces the frequency and intensity of mood swings, and helps to live a normal life. In a previous article on bipolar disorder, I have already looked at the general aspects of this disorder. Today's post is entirely dedicated to the treatment of bipolar disorder. In this regard, before you start reading, I will answer the most common question: Can bipolar disorder be cured on its own? The short and simple answer is NO! You can greatly help the treatment, make the process easier and more effective, but nothing more. For non-believers, I'll explain why. If the fact of the disease is established, then it manifested itself through the symptoms. Symptoms are what we see. Therefore, the disease takes over the mind, since we see its manifestations. If a person could suppress the manifestation of symptoms by willpower, then no one would ever know about any disease, that is, it would not exist. Any person experiences different emotions from time to time, but as long as he can control them, he is mentally healthy. If emotions take over and control the consciousness of a person, he is sick. How can a sick person fight on his own with what he cannot control? - No way! In this case, it is impossible to do without outside help.

Overview of bipolar disorder and its treatment

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. Its manifestations are always unpredictable, so "ups" and "downs" alternate without any apparent pattern. If treatment is delayed, these ups and downs can be devastating. The recurring episodes of manic and depressive phases that characterize the disease make it difficult to lead a normal, stable, and productive life. In a manic phase, you may be hyperactive and irresponsible; in a depressive phase, it may be difficult for you to do anything at all. Early diagnosis and treatment will undoubtedly help to avoid these problems. The success of treatment for bipolar disorder depends on a number of factors. Medications alone are not enough. In order to get the most out of your treatment, it is very important to educate yourself and educate yourself about your illness, communicate with doctors and psychologists, and provide yourself with a strong support system to lead a healthy lifestyle and stick to your treatment plan. The healing process for bipolar disorder is long and will not happen overnight. Like the mood swings of bipolar disorder, treatment too will have its ups and downs. Finding the right treatment will take time, and failures happen along the way. But with proper attention to the disease, as well as a consistent commitment to the desire to improve your condition, you can take control of the symptoms of bipolar disorder and live life to the fullest. What can you do to feel better? Know the difference between the symptoms of the disease and the characteristics of your psyche. The professionals you turn to for help can help separate your personality traits from the symptoms of the disease, which will allow you to recognize in which cases changes in your behavior are caused by the disease and which are not. To do this, you must be open and honest about your behavior, because you will have to monitor it in order to improve the recognition of episodes of bipolar disorder. · Educate your family members and involve them in the process of fighting the disease. Your loved ones can help identify symptoms and monitor your behavior. They will also motivate and support you, which will certainly allow you to deal with future crises much more effectively. · Lead a healthy lifestyle. A normal and healthy lifestyle, including regular sleep, a healthy diet, the absence of alcohol, drugs and risky behavior is one of the main conditions for recovery. Develop an individualized treatment plan. Talk to your doctor about your medications, especially side effects that may be bothering you. There are many options for drug exposure and there is always plenty to choose from. It is very important to consult with specialists before making any changes in the treatment process, from the set of medications used, the schedule for taking them, and ending with the daily routine.

Accurate diagnosis of bipolar disorder

Obtaining an accurate diagnosis is the first step in the successful treatment of bipolar disorder. This is not always easy to do. The mood swings of bipolar disorder can be difficult to distinguish from other mental health problems such as depression, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), or borderline personality disorder. For many people with bipolar disorder, it takes years and multiple visits to the doctor before the problem is identified and properly diagnosed. Correctly diagnosing bipolar disorder can be difficult even for qualified professionals, so it is better to consult a psychiatrist with experience in the treatment of bipolar disorder, and not just a psychotherapist in an outpatient clinic or a local doctor. An experienced psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of bipolar disorder is likely to be much better informed about the latest research in the field and advanced treatments. He also probably maintains contact with other specialists, which will make your treatment more effective. What to expect from the diagnosis? A diagnostic evaluation for bipolar disorder typically consists of the following: · Psychiatric evaluation - a complete psychiatric history (data collection and medical history) will be taken by a medical specialist. You will answer questions about your symptoms, tell your history of concerns, any treatment you may have received in the past, and your family history of mood disorders. · Physical Examination and Investigations – There are no specific laboratory tests to detect bipolar disorder. But the doctor must take a medical history and conduct a series of tests to rule out diseases or medications that may be causing your symptoms. For example, screening for thyroid disorders is especially important, as thyroid problems can cause mood swings that mimic the symptoms of bipolar disorder. In addition to a psychiatric evaluation and physical exam, your doctor may talk to family and friends about your mood and behavior. Very often, people around you can give a more accurate and objective picture of your symptoms. Diseases and drugs that can mimic symptoms of bipolar disorder Thyroid disorders Corticosteroids Antidepressants Adrenal disorders (eg, Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome) Anxiety drugs Drugs for Parkinson's disease Vitamin B12 deficiency Neurological disorders (e.g. epilepsy, multiple sclerosis)

Types of Bipolar Disorder

I have already covered the types of this disorder in the article Bipolar Disorder, which you can read if some of the terms are not clear to you. But in order not to refer those who know what is at stake to another publication, I will once again remind you of the types of bipolar disorder, only in more detail. Each type of bipolar disorder is defined by the nature of the episodes of mania and depression. Treatment may differ depending on the type of bipolar disorder you have been diagnosed with. · Bipolar I disorder (mania and depression) - Bipolar I disorder is the classic form of the disease and also the most typical type of bipolar disorder. It is characterized by at least one episode of mania or a mixed episode. The vast majority of people with bipolar I disorder also have at least one episode of depression, although this is not necessary for a diagnosis. · Bipolar II disorder (hypomania and depression) - full-blown mania does not appear here. Instead, the illness involves recurring episodes of depression and hypomania (a mild form of mania). In order to be diagnosed with Bipolar II, you must have had at least one episode of hypomania and one major depressive episode. If you have had a manic episode at least once in your life, your diagnosis will be changed to Bipolar I disorder. · Cyclothymia (hypomania and mild depression) - Cyclothymia is a mild form of bipolar disorder. Like any bipolar disorder, cyclothymia is made up of cyclical mood swings. However, the highs and lows are not severe enough to unambiguously qualify as mania or depression. For a diagnosis of cyclothymia, you must experience multiple episodes of hypomania and mild depression over at least a two year period. Since people with cyclothymia are at an increased risk of developing full-blown bipolar disorder, this form of the disease needs to be carefully screened for accurate and timely diagnosis.

Bipolar disorder or depression?

Bipolar disorder is often misdiagnosed as depression. One reason for this is that most people with bipolar disorder seek help when they are in the depressive phase of the illness. If a person is going through a manic phase, he rarely sees a doctor because he doesn't acknowledge that there is a problem. In addition, in people with bipolar disorder, a significantly greater percentage of the time is spent in depressive phases than in manic or hypomanic phases. Misdiagnosed, bipolar disorder is a potentially dangerous problem because the treatment for bipolar depression is different from that for regular depression. In fact, antidepressants used to treat regular depression can significantly worsen bipolar disorder. Therefore, it is very important to contact a specialist in a timely manner, who will help you understand what is really happening. Signs that your depression is really bipolar disorder: · Episodes of depression are recurring. · You had your first episode of depression before the age of 25. · You have a relative with bipolar I disorder. · When you are not depressed, your mood and energy levels are higher than those of most other people. · When you are depressed, you sleep a lot and overeat. Episodes of depression are short (less than 3 months). You lose touch with reality when you are depressed. · You have had a case of postpartum depression. · You have had episodes of mania or hypomania while taking antidepressants. · Your antidepressants stopped working a few months after you started taking them. · You have tried 3 or more antidepressants without success, but nothing worked for you.

Treatment options for bipolar disorder

If your doctor determines that you have bipolar disorder, they will offer treatment options and possibly prescribe medication. You may also be referred to other specialists for advice and development of an individual treatment plan.

Comprehensive treatment for bipolar disorder

Comprehensive treatment plan for bipolar disorder aims to: Relieve symptoms Restore the ability to act and solve problems both at home and at work Reduce the chance of relapses A complete treatment plan includes: Medications - Medications are the backbone of the bipolar disorder treatment process. By taking stabilizing drugs, you minimize the "ups" and "downs" and retain the ability to manage the situation. · Psycho1therapy - necessary to deal with bipolar disorder and the problems that the disease has caused in your life. Working with a doctor, you will learn about how to deal with difficult or unpleasant emotions, reconnect with others, deal with stress, and learn how to manage your mood. · Education - Managing symptoms and preventing complications begins with an in-depth understanding of one's illness. Education is a key component of treatment. The more you and your loved ones know about bipolar disorder, the easier it will be to avoid problems and deal with setbacks. · Lifestyle changes – By carefully following a healthy lifestyle, you can minimize the impact of bipolar disorder symptoms. This includes maintaining a regular sleep pattern, avoiding alcohol and drugs, a consistent exercise program, avoiding conflict, avoiding stressful situations, and maintaining a positive mindset at all times. · Support – Life with bipolar disorder can be challenging, so having a strong support system can help change your outlook and increase positive motivation. Participation in a bipolar disorder support group will give you the opportunity to share your experiences and learn from those who have already gone through the stages that you are just going through now. The support of friends and family is also invaluable.

The role of medication in treating bipolar disorder

Most people with bipolar disorder need medication to keep their symptoms under control. Long-term drug treatment can reduce the frequency and severity of episodes of the disease, and sometimes prevent them completely. If you have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, you and your doctor will work together to find the right drug or drug combination that is best for you. Because everyone reacts differently to medications, you may try a wide variety of medications before you find one (or group of medications) that relieves symptoms. Do not take it into your head to "get" medicines and take them - the consequences can be not just bad, but terrible · Visit your doctor regularly. It is important to have regular blood tests to ensure that the blood level of the drug is in the therapeutic range (sufficient for a therapeutic effect, but not so high as to aggravate the situation). Determining the exact dose of medication you need is a constant balancing act between too little and too much, so regular monitoring will help keep you from showing symptoms and keep you healthy. · Continue taking your medicines even if your mood is stable. Do not stop taking your medicines as soon as you start to feel better. Most people need to take medication on a regular basis to avoid relapses. · Don't expect medicines to solve all your problems. For bipolar disorder, medications can help reduce symptoms of mania and depression, but in order to feel better, it's important to lead a lifestyle that supports good health. This includes the support of others, therapeutic treatment and proper rest. · Be extremely careful with antidepressants. Studies show that antidepressants are not particularly effective in treating bipolar depression. In addition, they can cause mania or sudden and frequent jumps between depression and mania.

Psychotherapy as an important part of treatment

People who take drugs to treat bipolar disorder are much more likely to be cured if they also receive medical treatment. In therapy, you will learn how to deal with issues that cause symptoms of bipolar disorder, such as relationship issues and self-esteem. Therapy sessions will address other issues you struggle with, such as substance abuse or anxiety. Particularly useful in the treatment of bipolar disorder are the following three therapies: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy Family Therapy

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy sessions, you will learn about how your thoughts affect your emotions, and you will learn to change negative thought patterns into more positive ways of responding. In the treatment of bipolar disorder, the emphasis is on managing symptoms, avoiding relapse triggers, and dealing with problems that arise.

Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy

Interpersonal Therapy addresses the most pressing relationship issues to help you connect better with those around you. This type of treatment aims to reduce stress levels, and since stress is a trigger for bipolar disorder, interpersonal and social rhythmic therapy will help reduce mood swings, making them less frequent and less severe. In the treatment of bipolar disorder, interpersonal therapy is often combined with social rhythm therapy. It has been proven that people with bipolar disorder have an increased sensitivity to biological rhythms. In turn, biological rhythms can be easily disturbed by a mismatch between biorhythms and social rhythms. Social rhythm therapy focuses on stabilizing social rhythms such as sleeping, eating, working hours. When these rhythms are stabilized, the biological rhythms that control mood also remain stable.

Family therapy

Living with a person who suffers from bipolar disorder is very difficult, which leads to tension in family relationships. Family therapy is focused on solving these problems and is aimed at restoring a healthy and supportive home environment. Informing family members about the disease and teaching them how to deal with its symptoms is a major component of family therapy.

Alternative treatments for bipolar disorder

Most alternative treatments for bipolar disorder are actually complementary treatments, meaning they must be used in conjunction with medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes. Here are some useful additions: Day and Night Therapy — Like Social Rhythm Therapy, Day and Night Therapy focuses on the biological rhythms of people with bipolar disorder. This therapy offers assistance in organizing biorhythms by properly adjusting lighting at different times of the day to provide darkness when nighttime rest is needed and light when wakefulness is needed. One of the main components of this therapy is the restriction of daylight or artificial light for ten hours each night. · Focus and Meditation - Research has shown that focus based cognitive therapy and meditation help fight and prevent depression, anger, anxiety, and anxiety. Meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and focusing on one's own mind help break down negative thinking patterns. · Acupuncture — Acupuncture is currently being studied as an additional treatment for bipolar disorder. Some researchers believe that it may help people with bipolar disorder by modulating their response to stress. Research on acupuncture in the treatment of bipolar depression has already shown a reduction in symptoms, and every year there is more and more evidence that acupuncture can relieve the symptoms of not only depression, but also mania.

Can complementary and alternative medicine help with bipolar disorder? | mental health articles | Emotional & Mental Health center

Never use alternative medicine in place of conventional medications to treat bipolar disorder, and always discuss any additional treatments you are exploring with your doctor. What alternative approaches really hold promise?

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) means, in general, any treatment that is outside the range of treatment or management options that a physician would normally recommend for any given condition. When such therapies are used alongside modern and traditional medicine, they fall under the umbrella of complementary medicine. When they replace conventional medicine, they are alternative therapies.

While some forms of complementary and alternative medicine do have some scientific backing - like peer-reviewed studies of various qualities show they can actually be helpful in managing a certain condition, others don't. They have either not yet been sufficiently studied to say whether they can be beneficial, harmful, or neither, or may have been completely refuted.

Many people use complementary and alternative medicine - according to one study, at least 42 percent of Americans have used at least one, and millions of people actively believe that herbal medicines taken along with herbal medicines will help them, even if they may be unpleasant interactions. They know doctors don't like these treatments and less than 40 percent of people using CAM will share this fact with their doctor.

Research has shown that more and more people living with bipolar disorder, a debilitating and chronic mental illness that can have a severe negative impact on patients' quality of life, are also turning to complementary and alternative therapies. This might be a problem. Here's what you need to know if you're researching alternative therapies as a person with bipolar disorder or someone caring for someone with an illness formerly known as manic depression.

Always coordinate your treatment of bipolar disorder with your physician

As people who have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder or who have close relatives or friends with bipolar disorder already know, successful management of bipolar disorder is largely dependent on medication, often along with psychotherapy and psychoeducation. Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics, especially lithium and valproic acid, are most widely used for this purpose. Even the use of antidepressants prescribed for people with major depressive disorder (unipolar depression) is highly controversial.

Additional medicines may interact with prescription medicines you are taking. Alternative medicine, especially the completely unproven variety, clearly poses a risk of relapse and manic or depressive mood. In some cases, alternative medicine can even cause mood attacks.

Even if you really want to explore alternative treatments for someone with bipolar disorder, it's important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. Ultimately, you both want the same thing - to achieve the best possible quality of life for you. Never start taking an alternative treatment for bipolar disorder without consulting your doctor!

What complementary treatments for bipolar disorder might actually work?

St. John's wort has been fairly well studied as a potential treatment for unipolar depression. Although many studies on this topic have produced conflicting results, many of them have indicated that St. John's wort may be viable as a treatment for this type of depression, and even that its effects may compete with conventional antidepressants. It is also known to interact with other drugs, including antidepressants, so it should not be taken without a doctor's recommendation or a green light.

Bipolar disorder is more complex. St. John's wort is known to induce mania even in people with unipolar depression, so it could be a real risk for people with bipolar disorder. Current research suggests that St. John's wort may in some cases be recommended for patients with bipolar disorder who do not tolerate conventional antidepressants well and have mild to moderate symptoms.

Samesadenosylmethionine, or SAMe, has also been shown to have potential in the management of bipolar disorder, more specifically, only during depressive episodes. The risk of side effects also appears here. In addition to headaches and gastrointestinal disturbances, there is a real risk that SAMe may induce mania in people living with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder.

What alternative treatments for bipolar disorder have not been helpful?

A meta-analysis of available studies on this topic has shown that omega-3 fatty acids found in seafood and some green vegetables require further study as a possible additional treatment option for bipolar disorder. Taking omega-3 fatty acids risks nothing worse than stomach pain and a fishy aftertaste (many come from fish, after all!), but they should never replace traditional bipolar medications.

In fact, there is no evidence that acupuncture, massage, yoga, or aromatherapy can also relieve the symptoms of bipolar disorder. In most cases (with the possible exception of aromatherapy, which can cause harm, or if misuse of the wrong compound, these treatments will do you no harm, and you can safely choose to experiment with these treatments as long as you also stick to your usual medicines.

However, these alternative therapies can become dangerous if you decide to forego lithium or other prescribed medications in favor of them alone.

Learn more