Bipolar disorder can be managed effectively with medication and lifestyle changes. Among the recommended lifestyle changes is a program of consistent exercise. Exercise can be helpful in dealing with the excess energy of manic episodes as well as lift the mood in depressive cycles. Check with your doctor to determine what exercise plan is best for you.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder, which cycles from manic highs to depressive lows lasting for days, weeks or months. The changes are so intense that they affect your ability to carry on normal activities.
Although the causes of the disorder are unknown, it runs in families. The first episode of mania or depression usually occurs in adolescence or early adulthood. Since it shares symptoms with several other disorders, it is sometimes misdiagnosed. With correct treatment and support, you can lead a normal and satisfying life.
Symptoms
The severity and frequency of symptoms varies from person to person. Some are more prone to manic episodes, some have more depressive episodes and still others alternate equally between the two. In the manic phase of bipolar disorder there are feelings of heightened energy, creativity and even euphoria. When you are experiencing a manic episode you might talk fast, sleep little and have feelings of invincibility. While this may feel good in the beginning, it can turn to reckless behavior, such as out of control gambling or inappropriate sexual behavior. In extreme cases you can become delusional.
Bipolar depression shares similarities with regular depression, but bipolar depression is more likely to have unpredictable mood swings, restless feelings, irritability and guilt. There is more of a tendency to develop psychotic depression and lose contact with reality. People suffering with bipolar depression often sleep a lot and gain weight. Like regular depression, you may feel sad, have little energy, are unable to experience pleasure and may think of death or suicide.
Conventional Treatment
Treatment for bipolar disorder involves more than just taking medication. A comprehensive treatment program includes medication, usually in the form of mood stabilizers, psychotherapy, education, support and lifestyle management. Therapy is important to learn how to cope with feelings and manage stress. The more you educate yourself about your disorder, the better you will be able to avoid problems and know what to expect. The support of friends, family and possibly a support group with others with this disorder can make a difference in your recovery. By managing your lifestyle, you can keep symptoms and mood episodes to a minimum. A successful lifestyle would include a regular sleep schedule, minimizing stress, avoiding alcohol and drugs, keeping exposure to sunlight consistent year-round and consistently following an exercise program.
Exercise
There has been quite a bit of research on exercise and depression. A 1999 study at Duke University reported in the "Archives of Internal Medicine" assessed the effectiveness of an aerobic exercise program compared to standard anti-depressant medication in the treatment of major depressive disorder in 156 men and women older than 50. After 16 weeks of treatment patients receiving medication alone showed the fastest initial response. Of those receiving a combination of medication and exercise, those with less severe symptoms showed a faster response than those with more severe symptoms. The conclusions were that after 16 weeks of treatment, exercise was equally effective in reducing depression among patients with major depressive disorder. A follow-up study 10 months later reported in "Psychosomatic Medicine" found that patients who continued exercising had a reduced probability of depression diagnosis at the end of that period compared to those in the medication group.
A review of current literature on bipolar depression and exercise reported in "Neuromolecular Medicine" in 2009 found that structured exercise is capable of improving psychiatric and somatic health in bipolar disorder.
Cautions
You should check with your physician before beginning any exercise program. If you are not used to exercising you should begin slowly and work up to a pace that is comfortable. Find a sport or activity you enjoy and do it consistently to reap the rewards of exercise.
References
- Helpguide: Understanding Bipolar Disorder
- "Archives of Internal Medicine": Effects of Exerise Training on Older Patients With Major Depression
- "Psychosomatic Medicine": Exercise Treatment for Major Depression: Maintenance of Therapeutic Benefit at 10 Months
- Pub Med.gov: Exercise and Bipolar Disorder: A Rview of Neurobiological Mediators
