Bipolar disorder is characterized by depressive and manic episodes that often last weeks or months at a time, and can be unpredictable in their occurrence or pattern. Many patients are helped though medication; however, some patients seek alternative treatments, either as complementary therapy to prescription medication or as an alternative to pharmaceuticals. It is crucially important to never stop taking medications without a doctor's supervision. In some instances, such as pregnancy, a patient may have a valid health reason to take a break from pharmaceuticals and seek nonconventional treatments.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is the ancient Chinese practice of inserting tiny needles into the skin at key pressure points. Minimal research has been conducted regarding acupuncture and bipolar patients; however, as of 2010, a large scale study is underway thanks to a grant provided by the National Institutes of Mental Health. Researchers are hopeful to see positive results from the study, as a preliminary study reported on by the University of Arizona College of Medicine in 1998 showed that acupuncture was effective in treating depression symptoms in many patients.
Light and Dark Therapy
Understanding what triggers a manic or depressive episode is an important component of treating bipolar disorder. Those with this disorder have a sensitive biological clock, and a disruption of the natural sleep-wake cycle can lead to a mood change episode. Light and dark therapy regulates these biological rhythms by managing exposure to light, and creating an environment that is dark and conducive to sleep for 10 hours per night.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in certain fish as well as supplement form, and have numerous health benefits. Research is beginning to examine if omega-3s can help improve mood among patients with depression and bipolar disorder, according to MayoClinic.com, which advises that omega-3s be used as a complimentary treatment along with traditional medication for bipolar disorder rather than a replacement therapy.
Yoga
Relaxation techniques such as yoga can reduce symptoms of depression and decrease mood swings among bipolar patients. Researchers from the David Geffen School of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles reported a "significant reductions" in depression symptoms of study participants, and concluded that "yoga appears to be a promising intervention for depression." Furthermore, Gagan Joshi, M.D., a psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital who specializes in bipolar disorder, encourages yoga for his patients because it can work with their medication to help stabilize mood.
