Despite the fact that the safety and effectiveness of natural remedies is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration, dietary supplements and other natural forms of treatment are in wide use. Some natural remedies for bipolar disorder offer promise but others are unproven and must be used with extreme caution.
Warning
Interactions with other medications can occur. Do not use natural remedies without talking to your doctor first. Remedies that are effective for depression may cause mania in people with bipolar disorder.
Scientific Evidence
No research has produced a safe and effective stand-alone supplement to treat bipolar disorder. However, in a 2009 study conducted at the University of Hong Kong and published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, the combination of an herbal compound called Free and Easy Wanderer Plus and the mood stabilizer carbemazepine improved bipolar patients' depression in comparison to carbemazepine alone.
Alternative Medicine
According to a study of alternative treatments for pediatric bipolar disorder done by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital, massage and acupuncture are low risk and may be beneficial.
Exercise
In a paper entitled "The Influence of Exercise on Mental Health," Dr. Daniel Landers at Arizona State University states that exercise can improve mood and anxiety symptoms for up to six hours and even over the long term as well as provide benefits to overall health.
Support
Psychotherapy and social support programs such as National Alliance on Mental Illness's support groups and recovery education programs are safe and provide information and coping skills to help you deal with your disorder.
