Alternating moods characterized by highs and lows are the primary symptoms of bipolar disorder II. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 2.6 percent of the adult population in the United States suffer from a form of bipolar disorder. A person diagnosed with bipolar II disorder has had at least one hypomanic episode and also suffers from episodes of depression. Symptoms usually start during the teens and early 20s. Treatment requires medication such as mood stabilizers, benzodiazepines and antidepressants. Supplements can help improve the effects of medication but if misused can have an adverse effect. Supplements should not substitute for medication or be used concurrently with medication except on the advice of your physician.
Herbal Supplements
Herbs used as supplements for bipolar disorder are classified as nervines. According to Dr. Jim Haggerty of PsychCentral.com, common herbal supplements used to treat bipolar disorder include black cohosh, damiana, gingko biloba, ginseng, grapeseed oil, gotu kola, licorice and sarsaparilla. These herbal remedies are strong and can have side effects. It may be harmful to use supplements with bipolar medication; consult your doctor before using herbal supplements.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is a popular and historic alternative supplement, dating back to ancient Greek medicine. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, several studies have proven St. John's wort to be effective in treating mild to moderate depression. UMMC also reports that studies have shown it works as effectively as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), without the common side effects. St. John's wort can be an effective option to help with depressive episodes associated with bipolar II. It can, however, elevate the mood to a hypomanic phase and have side effects such as sensitivity to light. Consult a doctor before using this supplement to treat bipolar II disorder.
Fish Oil Supplements
Fish oils contain high levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Therapeutic fish oils are extracted from such fish such as cod, salmon, mackerel and tuna. According to MedlinePlus, taking fish oil supplements to aid in standard treatment improves symptoms of depression and increases the length of time between episodes. There is no evidence that fish oil improves hypomanic symptoms, and it should only be used with a doctor's advisement.
Considerations
Hypomania is often an enjoyable experience, with symptoms such as euphoria, creativity and heightened confidence. Often sufferers may refuse or stop using medication during a hypomanic phase. If not treated, hypomania can elevate to a full manic episode, changing the diagnosis to the more severe bipolar disorder I. The NYU Langone Medical Center cautions that supplements should be used with caution, as several act adversely with medication and many have been associated with triggering mania, such as ginseng. Your doctor should be informed if you change your dose of medication or supplements.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder
- PsychCentral; Herbs for Bipolar Disorder; Jim Haggerty, MD
- University of Maryland Medical Center: St. John's Wort
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- NYU Langone Medical Center: Bipolar Disorder
- National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder Among Adults
