Alternative Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
Traditional treatment approaches for bipolar disorder involve treating different stages with two sets of drugs. Antidepressants and antipsychotics are used to treat manic and depression episodes, while mood-stabilizing medications are used during maintenance phases. Lithium is also a well-known treatment, however potential side effects, and possible blood poisoning, limit its use in those with certain physical conditions. Alternative treatments for bipolar disorder have varied, both in drug usage and in technique. Electroshock, biofeedback methods and magnetic therapy are a few of the techniques in use. Regardless of the approach used, psychotherapy remains a counterpart treatment method, to provide the needed coping skills in dealing with the disorder.- An imbalance within the chemical processes in the brain accounts for much of the symptoms exhibited by those with manic depressive disorder. Regulatory processes responsible for neurotransmitter levels and exchanges are said to be misfiring, causing imbalances throughout the brain. Part of this problem is attributed to a person's circadian rhythms, which act as an internal chemical clock. Too much of one neurotransmitter and not enough of another throws off the natural rhythms. As a result, the pineal gland--a main component within the circadian cycle--malfunctions in its release of melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that affects activity levels within the body. Irregular levels of this hormone within the body is said to play a large part in causing the "ups and downs" experienced by those with bipolar disorder.
Psychotherapy plays a significant role in treating bipolar disorder. Manic-depressive episodes can have a debilitating effect on a person's ability to cope with everyday stressors. Alternative psychotherapy methods can be used in conjunction with medication treatment. Meditation, transpersonal psychotherapy and energy psychology offer different ways in which patients can learn to cope with, and manage, mood cycles. These are cognitive-based therapies that work to redefine self as it relates to the bipolar condition. This approach attempts to give patients a stronger sense of control over their mood states.- Anti-convulsive medications, such as Depakote, are a commonly used alternative in treating bipolar disorder where there is a rapid cycling of mood swings. Results show anti-convulsive medications to be more effective than lithium in reducing symptoms. Omega-3 fatty acids have proven effective in stabilizing moods, and in increasing the length of time in remission periods.
In cases where patients are non-responsive to medication and psychotherapy, electro-convulsive therapies have helped to lessen the intensity of manic-depressive episodes. Magnetic resonance imaging scanning is another technique for use when medication therapies fail. This method uses a specific magnetic frequency, called echo-planar, which is produced by an MRI machine. Researchers are looking to create a miniaturized version to make magnetic treatments more convenient for patient use.
Certain dietary supplements are reported to alleviate symptoms associated with bipolar disorder. Their use as an alternative treatment is based on specific mineral deficiencies within the body that may contribute to the chemical imbalances taking place in the brain. Omega-3 fatty acids, Sam-e, St. John's Wort and herbal supplements are all cited as possible treatments that help with reducing symptoms of depression and stabilizing mood swings. These are not meant to replace prescribed medications, especially in cases of acute bipolar disorder. Adverse reactions are possible when taken with prescription medications.
