Bipolar disorder is characterized by abrupt mood swings that range from periods of mania to bouts of depression. Bipolar disorder affects men and women alike and usually emerges between the ages of 15 to 25, states PubMed Health, a website produced by the National Center for Biotechnology Information. There is no cure for bipolar disorder. Lifelong treatment is necessary and may involve a combination of therapy, prescription medications, lifestyle changes and support groups. Some alternative therapies, such as herbal remedies, may be helpful but should not be used as primary treatment.
About Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder, often called manic-depressive disorder, involves erratic mood shifts cycling between periods of sadness and hopelessness or feelings of euphoria and intense energy. For some, these mood swings can occur a few times per year, but for others, it can shift several times per day. Each bipolar case is different. Some who suffer from this disorder can function in everyday life, but for many, these symptoms become debilitating and can even become dangerous.
Symptoms and Treatment Options
Symptoms of bipolar disorder can include irritation, agitation, hyperactivity, false sense of abilities, increased energy, no self-control, scattered thoughts, reckless temper and behavior, drug use, sexual promiscuity, daily feeling of malaise, difficulty concentrating and making decisions, eating issues involving binging or no appetite, weight gain or loss, fatigue, feelings of guilt and worthlessness, insomnia, withdrawal from daily activities, persistent sadness and suicidal thoughts.
The first line of treatment is usually prescription medication involving mood-stabilizing drugs such as lithium, anti-psychotic or anti-anxiety drugs such as benzodiazepines or antidepressants. Alternative treatments such as herbal remedies are also used but should be cleared and monitored by a physician.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is an herb that has primarily been used to improve mood, decrease anxiety and relieve insomnia related to depression, according to the American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine. St. John's wort may be helpful in treating bipolar symptoms only if the sufferer is in a depressed state; otherwise, using this herb may actually cause a manic episode. This herb should not be taken with other anti-depressants, anti-psychotic or anti-anxiety drugs. Before using this herb for bipolar disorder, consult a physician.
Black Cohosh
Black cohosh, according to Dr. Jim Haggerty, a physician writing for the Psych Central website, can be used as a nervous system depressant and sedative. Therefore, this herb may be effective for a bipolar sufferer who is in a manic phase. This herb may have serious side effects, such as slow heart rate, nausea, vomiting, tremors, joint pains, visual disturbances and vertigo. Before using black cohosh for the treatment of bipolar disorder, discuss it with your doctor.
Gotu Kola
In Ayurvedic medicine, gotu kola is an herb that is used often to help calm anxiety and combat depression. It may help relieve some of the symptoms associated with the depression cycle of bipolar disorder, but speak to a physician before using it for such a treatment. Gotu kola does interact with other medications, so individuals who are also taking cholesterol-lowering drugs, diabetes medication, diuretics or sedatives should be monitored by a doctor.
