Alternative Therapies For Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that can cause extreme shifts in mood, energy, and behavior. Approximately 5.7 million adults in the United States live with bipolar disorder. The disorder can significantly impact quality of life. 

While traditional treatments such as medication and psychotherapy are effective for many people with bipolar disorder, there has been an increasing focus on alternative therapies to help ease symptoms. Examples include lifestyle changes like diet modification or exercise regimens, complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) approaches, and spiritual practices. In this article, we will explore alternative therapies for bipolar disorder.

How do you treat bipolar disorder?

As with many psychiatric disorders, the primary modalities used to treat bipolar disorder are prescription medications and psychotherapy. Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics are the most common types of medication prescribed for bipolar disorder. Antidepressants may also be used to address depressive symptoms, though they can cause or worsen symptoms of mania. Always consult with a healthcare professional prior to starting or stopping any medication.

Psychotherapy can help an individual learn more about bipolar disorder, address the condition’s emotional challenges, and develop coping mechanisms for depressive and manic symptoms. A therapist can also help someone with bipolar disorder incorporate complementary therapies or alternative treatments, which we’ll discuss below, into their care plan. 

Alternative therapy options for bipolar disorder

While traditional treatments such as medication and therapy are often effective, some people may turn to alternative therapies to complement their treatment plans. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) has gained popularity in managing mood disorders, including bipolar disorder. These approaches involve non-traditional methods rather than conventional psychiatric treatments.

CAM techniques such as nutritional supplements, acupuncture, and yoga, for example, can be safe and effective ways to help manage mood swings and reduce symptoms of stress and depression. However, it is advisable to consult a mental health professional before starting any of these alternative techniques.

Here are some of the most common alternative therapies for bipolar disorder:

Mindfulness meditation 

One widely used CAM approach for managing bipolar disorder is Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBIs).

These techniques involve cultivating mind-body awareness, which can help control mood swings, reduce stress, and enhance emotional well-being. MBIs may include practices such as mindfulness meditation, body scans, and breathing exercises, for instance, all of which can contribute to better mood stability. Studies suggest that practicing mindfulness and engaging in mindfulness-based cognitive therapy may help improve mood and reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder.

Acupuncture

Acupuncture, a traditional Chinese medicinal practice, is another CAM approach that may be helpful for managing bipolar disorder. This technique involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate nerve endings. Acupuncture can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, which are often associated with bipolar disorder.

Light therapy

Light therapy involves sitting near a specialized light box that emits bright light. It is often used to treat seasonal affective disorder, but some studies suggest that it may also be helpful for bipolar disorder. Light therapy is thought to help control circadian rhythms and improve mood.

According to researchers, bright light therapy may be a viable option for reducing depressive symptoms in individuals who experience bipolar disorder. It can be important to note that light therapy may not be suitable for everyone, though. Individuals with medical conditions such as epilepsy or certain eye diseases, may want to avoid this treatment.

Online therapy

Unfamiliar public settings can be unsettling for people living with bipolar disorder. Online therapy can enable you to speak to a licensed therapist and develop healthy management strategies from the comfort of your own home. This type of remote therapy can improve the availability of care for individuals with bipolar disorder.

Yoga + physical exercise

Yoga is a mind-body practice that has roots in ancient Indian philosophy. It often incorporates meditation, breathing exercises, and physical poses, with varying levels of physical demand. Yoga and exercise can be helpful CAM approaches for individuals with bipolar disorder. Specifically, yoga may contribute to improved mood, increased self-awareness, and a sense of inner peace. Exercise, moreover, can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and reduce mood fluctuations.

Personalized + holistic nutritional guidance

Another CAM approach is nutritional supplementation, which is believed to help reduce the symptoms of bipolar disorder. Dietary supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, and magnesium have been found to improve mood, reduce inflammation, and support brain health. However, you may need to consult a physician first since certain supplements may interact with bipolar medication.

Numerous clinical trials suggest that omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like salmon and tuna may help alleviate symptoms of bipolar depression. Researchers believe that omega-3s work by reducing inflammation and controlling neurotransmitters in the brain.

As with many other mental disorders—major depressive disorder, for example—research suggests that there is a connection between bipolar disorder and vitamin D deficiency. In addition to challenges related to mental health, problems with physical health (e.g., osteoporosis) have been associated with low levels of vitamin D. According to experts, though, more research needs to be done before vitamin D supplementation can be recommended as an adjunct to standard methods of treating depression and mania. 

Herbal remedies

There is evidence that herbal medicine can alleviate bipolar disorder symptoms when used as an adjunct to medication. In one randomized-controlled trial, researchers found that individuals who used herbal medicines alongside carbamazepine—a commonly prescribed mood stabilizer—experienced greater improvements in depression symptoms than those who only used medication. 

Herbs like valerian, lemon balm, and ashwagandha may help reduce stress, cognitive impairment, and sleep disruptions, all of which are common in individuals with bipolar disorder. For example, in a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, researchers found that valerian significantly increased participants’ chances of experiencing improved sleep. 

It is important to consult with a healthcare professional prior to utilizing herbal medicine. Some herbal remedies may exacerbate certain symptoms of bipolar disorder. For example, St. John’s wort can alleviate moderate depression, but it can also cause or exacerbate mania. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, St. John’s wort may also contribute to psychosis.  

When you may want to consider alternative therapies

Individuals with bipolar disorder might consider alternative therapies if they have challenges managing their symptoms or when traditional treatments are insufficient. Alternative therapies can help individuals find additional strategies that are more suitable for their personal needs or that address the unique symptoms they experience.

However, it can be important to note that alternative therapies are not a substitute for traditional medical treatment. Alternative therapies may not be useful for everyone, and the effectiveness of these therapies can vary widely. Consider speaking with a healthcare professional before trying any alternative therapies. They can help you ensure that these are safe alternatives that will not interact with your prescribed medication.

Living with bipolar disorder symptoms

Managing symptoms of bipolar disorder might be easier if certain strategies are implemented in your daily life. Therapists may develop personalized treatment plans based on findings from their initial assessment.

Licensed online counselors can help individuals discover the practices that work best for them. Most of the alternative therapies discussed in this article are potentially viable options for individuals with bipolar disorder, but some may work better than others, depending on the individual. 

Some key practices that a licensed online therapist may help you implement in your daily life include:

• Being mindful of mood shifts and triggers

• Avoiding alcohol and/or drug use

• Maintaining a support network of friends, family, and loved ones

• Practicing self-care

• Incorporating stress and anxiety-management techniques

Online therapy for mood disorders

Living with bipolar disorder can be challenging, but working with a licensed therapist online may help you learn skills to improve your quality of life and develop healthy management techniques. Setting up an online therapy appointment may be easier than scheduling in-person counseling since you don’t have to spend time commuting and parking, for example.

According to researchers, online-based therapy and mindfulness training may be an effective form of treatment for reducing symptoms of bipolar disorder. One study found that online mindfulness training helped individuals with bipolar disorder improve their overall quality of life. The methods used in online therapy may include some alternative therapies, but this may be based on the discretion of your online treatment provider as well as your individual preferences.