“I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder over 15 years ago. During that time I’ve tried many different medications such as Paxil, Prozac, Wellbutrin, Depakote, Risperdal, Seroquel, Lamictal, and Lithium to name a few. All these medications either had intolerable side effects or did not work at all. All the SSRIs made me worse (emotionally) even with a mood stabilizer. Does anyone have any success stories with any new medication or treatments. I’m even willing to try homeopathic treatments, I just want relief.” — bipolar patient.
Many bipolar patients are frustrated by the endless cycle of medication trials and failure, dosage adjustments, and doctor visits. Some may wish to try homeopathic methods of helping to control this debilitating condition.
In researching natural bipolar treatments discussed on the net, this writer wishes to expand avenues of exploration and ideas for bipolar patients, not to suggest they halt or replace their treatment. Only your health professionals know you best!
Unfortunately, there seem to be no solid studies done on the effectiveness of homeopathic remedies in bipolar disorder. Most homeopaths themselves recommend their treatment in conjunction with psychiatric or physician visits, not in place of them.
Remember, there is no generalized treatment for bipolar disorder. Whatever methods you may become interested in, the individual as a whole must be treated, and you should never experiment on your own.
Bipolar Disorder and Diet:
Even in persons without bipolar disorder, foods high in sugar and carbohydrates, fatty foods and sugar substitutes, along with caffeine, additives, and preservatives, can adversely affect mood and behavior. Then it stands to reason that in bipolar patients these effects will be even more extreme.
Our food today is much more devoid of vitamins and minerals than it used to be. This situation has given rise to a school of thought indicating that this may have caused an enormous increase in incidents of bipolar disorder, as well as other significant mood disorders.
Studies have shown that bipolar patients often are deficient in vitamins B6, B12, C and in omega-3 fatty acids. Folic acid deficiencies have also been found widely in these patients.
In the United States and Canada, studies have shown a majority of the population are not getting anywhere near the RDA nutritional levels of Vitamin C, E, A, B vitamins, zinc, magnesium, iron, copper and calcium that are necessary to maintain a balanced diet for adequate physical or mental health.
Homeopaths commonly recommend supplements of these vitamins and minerals be added to the diet of persons suffering from bipolar disorder. Many have documented progress in their patients with these treatments.
Tryptophan:
Tryptophan is the amino acid to which we in the United States usually attribute our drowsiness or lightheadedness after eating the Thanksgiving turkey.
However, this nutrient is also widely known in homeopathic circles to contribute to a general feeling of well being. This mood alteration stems from the increase of serotonin and melatonin we experience in our brains when eating some of tryptophan’s source foods: chocolate, oatmeal, bananas.
Thus tryptophan is sometimes recommended in the diet or as a prescription for bipolar patients. There are no legal supplements of tryptophan now sold over the counter.
Herbal Treatments in Bipolar Disorder:
Chamomile, St. John’s Wort and Valerian Root are the most common herbs recommended by homeopaths for natural treatment of bipolar disorder.
Other remedies have included SAM-e, Gingko-Biloba and Inositol (part of the Vitamin B-complex family, also a simple carbohydrate.)
Exercise and Activity:
Regular exercise in the sunlight is widely acknowledged to be an important factor in treatment of bipolar disorder patients. At least three sessions a week of high aerobic activity seems to be the most commonly recommended routine. This contributes to the stimulation of endorphins.
Other activities I came across when researching alternative treatments for bipolar disorder were as diverse as horseback riding and drumming. The common thread in these activities were rhythm and how it relates to dealing with the “rapid cycling” of bipolar patients and the expression of it outwards.
Let the Sunshine In!
An hour a day of exposure to direct sun in the middle of the day is seen as helpful to mental outlook, in particular for patients who suffer from seasonal depressions in the darkness of winter months. Patients should make sure of light interaction with their medications, some may cause light sensitivity. Make sure to protect your eyes and skin.
Aromatherapy:
There are many scents recommended in the treatment of the various phases of bipolar disorder, to calm during manic episodes, to relieve anxiety and depression at the opposite end of the spectrum.
These scents can be contained in candles, oils, incense, scent rings for lamps, sprays, scented baths or skin lotions. The scented herbs can be contained in soothing packs or sachets as well.
The most commonly used aromas in the treatment of bipolar patients are: lavendar, peppermint, sandalwood, sage, lemongrass, chamomile, orange, rosemary, and jasmine.
If any of these alternative treatments appeal to you in your own approach to bipolar disorder, or the treatment of a loved one, you may wish to suggest the options to your health practitioner. Again, it is not recommended to strike out experimenting on your own without professional oversight.
