Do Natural Remedies For Bipolar Disorder Exist?
It’s typically advised that those experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, including bipolar disorder, seek the support of a licensed healthcare professional, such as a doctor (like a psychiatrist) or a therapist. Therapy and medication may be recommended for those diagnosed with this mental illness. However, your provider may also suggest trying certain natural or lifestyle-related remedies in conjunction with these. Below, explore the research on the effectiveness of natural remedies for a condition like bipolar disorder when used in conjunction with other prescribed treatments.
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental illness that’s typically characterized by the experience of both extreme highs (mania, or the less severe hypomania) and extreme lows (depression). How frequently someone experiences these two extremes and how severe they become may depend on the person and the subtype of bipolar disorder they are living with. In general, however, this condition has the potential to cause distress and significantly impair daily functioning, relationships, health, safety, and overall well-being.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder
People with bipolar disorder typically experience shifts between manic and depressive symptoms.
Manic and hypomanic symptoms
When a person is in a manic state, they might display symptoms like racing thoughts, speaking very quickly, sleeping very little or not at all but still having high energy, feeling euphoric, feeling irritable or on edge, being easily distracted, and engaging in impulsive and sometimes risky behaviors. Manic episodes can last from four days to a week or more, depending on the subtype of bipolar disorder the person has. In severe cases, the individual may need to be hospitalized to stabilize.
Only people diagnosed with bipolar I disorder have manic episodes, which are severe and last for at least a week. People with bipolar II disorders and other subtypes might experience hypomania, a less severe form of mania lasting up to five days that may not be as associated with a loss of reality. People with mania may experience delusions and, in severe cases, psychosis.
Depressive episodes
When a person is in a depressive state, they typically display symptoms such as low energy, persistent sadness, feelings of guilt, thoughts of worthlessness, a loss of interest or pleasure in activities once enjoyed, and fatigue. Other symptoms of depression can include significant changes in appetite and sleep patterns, difficulty concentrating, and thoughts of self-harm or suicide.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors, seek help immediately. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached 24/7 by dialing 988.
How is bipolar disorder treated?
Bipolar disorder is considered highly treatable. An individual’s treatment plan may consist of a combination of prescription medication and therapy, though the exact modalities used can depend on their symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. According to a medically reviewed American Psychiatric Association article, electroconvulsive therapy may also be employed when symptoms are treatment-resistant.
Psychotherapy can help people with bipolar disorder work through the emotional challenges of the condition, identify the sources of their symptoms, and address comorbid mental health concerns. Types of therapy recommended for this illness are typically cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and interpersonal and social rhythm therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is considered a particularly effective psychotherapeutic treatment for bipolar disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help people living with bipolar disorder understand the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. For example, an individual participating in CBT may learn to recognize recurrent negative beliefs that tend to cause or exacerbate depressive symptoms. By utilizing cognitive-behavioral therapy techniques, they can replace these unhelpful thoughts and avoid worsening their symptoms.
Psychoeducation
Modalities that address psychosocial functioning, such as psychoeducation, are also considered beneficial for patients with bipolar disorder. Additionally, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) has been shown to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety in individuals with bipolar disorder.
Medications
Medications prescribed to people with bipolar disorder may include antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, anti-anxiety medications, and antidepressants. The exact medication used may depend on an individual’s symptoms, medical history, lifestyle, and other factors. For example, someone experiencing acute mania may be prescribed tamoxifen (a medication normally used to treat breast cancer). An individual living with bipolar depression, however, may be given an antidepressant and a mood stabilizer.
Because symptoms and treatments for bipolar disorder can vary from person to person, seek medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. A licensed provider can tell you which medications might best alleviate your symptoms and give you information on dosages, side effects, and treatment duration. Do not start, stop, or change the medications you take for bipolar disorder without consulting your doctor, as doing so may be dangerous.
The BetterHelp platform is not intended for any information regarding which drugs, medication, or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. You should not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.
Natural remedies for bipolar depression and mania
In some cases, symptoms of bipolar disorder can cause an individual harm if left untreated, so seeking professional medical support is often recommended. In addition to following the treatment methods your doctor or psychiatrist may prescribe, you might ask them about more natural remedies you can incorporate as well. Many complementary and alternative therapies are related to changes you can make to your daily routine that might help you avoid inciting a flare-up of symptoms or exacerbating those that already are present.
Practicing good sleep hygiene
Sleep disturbances are common in people with bipolar disorder. Both manic and depressive episodes can affect an individual’s sleep. Additionally, disruptions in sleep, such as sleep deprivation, can cause or exacerbate symptoms of mania and depression. However, it’s also estimated that 70% of even those whose mood is categorized as “stable” experience insomnia. Taking measures to reduce or prevent sleep issues can be helpful for people with bipolar disorder because lack of adequate sleep may incite manic or depressive episodes.
Speaking to your doctor about insomnia may help, as may practicing good sleep hygiene. This can include practices like these:
Getting some form of exercise during the day
Sleeping and waking at the same time each day
Sleeping in a cool, dark, quiet environment
Avoiding long naps during the day
Avoiding screen use (computer, phone, TV) a few hours before bed
Avoiding caffeine and alcohol when possible, especially close to bedtime
More research is constantly being done into sleep since so many people today experience some form of sleep disturbance. Keeping up with new research in this area may be particularly helpful to someone with bipolar disorder, especially if they’re interested in more natural methods. For example, consider the 2023 study that suggests that eating two kiwi fruits before bed may help increase sleep duration and quality or the 2023 paper that indicates that using traditional Chinese medicine to modulate gut microbiota may help with insomnia.
Bright light therapy
There is evidence that bright light therapy—which involves exposure to a natural or artificial light source, typically in the morning—can alleviate sleep disruptions that may be related to bipolar disorder symptoms. In a review of randomized controlled trials, researchers concluded that this modality “is an effective treatment for reducing depression symptoms among patients with bipolar depression.” Bright light therapy can worsen symptoms of a hypomanic or manic phase, so its use is typically limited to those living with depressive bipolar symptoms.
Nutritious eating
Because bipolar disorder can impact energy levels, eating nutritious foods may be helpful for individuals with this condition. Additionally, mood stabilizers and other bipolar medications are associated with an increased risk of weight gain. Making dietary changes may help alleviate the symptoms of bipolar disorder. For example, limiting caffeine consumption may help with symptom management, as even a mild stimulant can worsen mania severity. Talk to your doctor or nutritionist to learn which foods are best for your unique body.
Nutritional and herbal supplements
Consuming specific nutrients (e.g., omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C) through a varied, balanced diet may be recommended by your doctor. However, the symptoms of bipolar disorder may make maintaining such a diet difficult. As a result, some people choose to take supplements to help their systems better cope with the effects of the mental health disorder. You might ask your doctor or nutritionist about some of the following herbal supplements, vitamins, and dietary supplements:
Omega-3s: A form of polyunsaturated fat, omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce symptoms of various mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder. Fish oil, which is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, may decrease the severity of depressive episodes in those with bipolar disorder. In one randomized controlled trial, participants living with bipolar depression symptoms experienced significant improvement following increased intake of an omega-3 fatty acid called eicosatetraenoic acid. Omega-3 fatty acids are widely available in capsule form.
Magnesium: Some research suggests that magnesium may play an important role in reducing the intensity of symptoms of a variety of mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder.
Vitamin C: It’s been suggested that deficiencies in vitamin C and folic acid may contribute to the development or worsening of some mental health symptoms, so supplements for these two could be worth considering for someone with bipolar disorder.
Vitamin D: Symptoms of bipolar disorder and other mood disorders (e.g., unipolar depression) have been linked to decreased levels of vitamin D. Research suggests that vitamin D supplementation may improve symptoms of mania and moderate depression.
Valerian: Studies show that people living with bipolar disorder can alleviate complications like anxiety and insomnia by taking valerian, an herb that has sedative-like effects.
More research is needed to help experts better understand the efficacy, mechanisms, and potential adverse effects of supplements for bipolar disorder. Some supplements that are used to alleviate depression, including St. John’s wort and Rhodiola rosea, have been shown to produce adverse effects in patients with bipolar disorder. For example, in a systematic review of studies on the effects of herbal remedies on bipolar disorder symptoms, researchers found that St. John’s wort can increase susceptibility to mania.
If you’re considering taking a supplement for bipolar disorder, a healthcare professional can help you determine how it might fit into your treatment plan and provide you with additional information on its effects. You can also find studies on the mental health benefits of various supplements through the National Library of Medicine. The URLs of studies published by the National Library of Medicine will usually begin with “ncbi.nlm.nih” (for example, you can find this informative study on nutrient-based approaches to bipolar treatment at pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23147067/). Regardless of study findings, do not start or change supplements without speaking to your physician about their possible impacts on bipolar disorder.
Exercise
As a wealth of research from the last few decades indicates, engaging in frequent aerobic exercise seems to be associated with many physical and mental health benefits. Regular exercise may also help reduce certain symptoms of bipolar disorder.
As a 2023 study suggests, physical exercise seems to have a “potential adjunctive antidepressant effect” in those with bipolar disorder, meaning that it may reduce symptoms of depressive episodes in particular—especially when used in conjunction with other treatments.
Relaxation methods
High and chronic stress levels can exacerbate the symptoms of many mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder. Finding ways to manage your stress levels may help if you’ve been diagnosed with this illness. Natural methods may include:
Meditation
Yoga
Acupuncture
Journaling
Seeking therapy for bipolar disorder
As is the case with any mental illness, it’s typically recommended that those experiencing symptoms of bipolar disorder seek the support of a healthcare professional. A therapist can evaluate your symptoms and suggest treatment methods that suit your needs and circumstances. Therapy is often the top recommended natural method for treating bipolar disorder.
For those unable to attend in-person therapy sessions consistently, online therapy can represent a more convenient alternative. One five-year trial that concluded in 2021 examined the effects of virtual therapy on those with bipolar disorder. Its findings suggest improvements in perceived connection to care, decreases in mental health symptoms and medication side effects, and improvements in quality of life for participants. If you want to try online therapy, consider a platform like BetterHelp. You can get matched with one of its thousands of licensed therapists, who you can then meet with via phone, video call, or in-app messaging to address the challenges you may be facing. You may also find online therapy more cost-effective.
Takeaway
Bipolar disorder is a serious but treatable mental illness. First-line treatments typically involve therapy and medication. Natural treatments that may improve the efficacy of these can include exercise and nutritious eating. If you’re experiencing symptoms of a mental illness, you may benefit from speaking to a licensed healthcare provider.
Below, find answers to questions commonly asked about this topic.
Can bipolar disorder be managed holistically?
Bipolar disorder can potentially be managed holistically. Some people find that alternative treatments are a helpful supplement to their medication or therapeutic regime. Consistent exercise, consistent sleep, and adequate nutrition can not only help mitigate mood swings. In addition, holistic approaches may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, which psychiatric disorders like bipolar disorder can increase the risk of.
While complementary and alternative medicine is no replacement for conventional medicine in the treatment of mental disorders like bipolar disorder, it can be an excellent add-on for some people.
Can bipolar disorder be self-treated?
Bipolar disorder can be managed alone. However, experts generally advise treating bipolar disorder with the help of a mental health professional. Alongside treatment, you can take complementary and integrative health steps on your own, such as maintaining a consistent sleep or exercise schedule.
What is a natural herb for bipolar disorder?
The evidence is unclear on whether natural herbs can support people with mental illness. Some herbs that people use can worsen mood disorder symptoms or may cause substance interactions with certain medications. St. John’s Wort, for instance, can treat depression symptoms that are mild or moderate, but it’s also known to induce mania. So, even though some people find this herb useful for treating depression, bipolar patients may find it worsens their condition. As such, getting guidance from a health professional before trying any alternative medicine recommended to you is recommended.
What vitamins help with bipolar disorder?
Some modest evidence suggests that the dietary supplement folate can help manic symptoms (and simultaneous coenzyme Q10 can alleviate depressive symptoms). Other evidence also points to omega-3 fatty acids and choline (both important for brain function) as potential complementary treatments.
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