What Is Bipolar Disorder? PART 4
(    Part 1   Part 2  Part 3  )

by John McManamy                

Alternative treatments are becoming increasingly popular.

Are there alternative or complementary treatments for bipolar?
Yes. These include omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin and mineral supplements, and acupuncture.

Tell me about omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 is found in deepwater fish such as salmon and in flax. One study found that countries with low fish consumption coincided with high depression rates. A pilot study using omega-3 in conjunction with normal meds found the substance to be effective in treating bipolar. Until we know more, it is advised that omega-3 be considered as a complement to, rather than as a replacement for, one’s normal meds. Buy only preparations that have more EPA than DHA.

Tell me about vitamins and mineral supplements.
Unfortunately, much of the food we eat comes from soil depleted of nutrients. The raw materials for producing neurotransmitters are nutrients. A deficiency of vitamin B6, for instance, may affect how serotonin is synthesized. The trick is finding a doctor willing to order the tests to tease out these deficiencies. In lieu of precise knowledge of one’s individual deficiencies, all-purpose supplement combinations may be an option. One pilot study found a certain supplement combination dramatically improved symptoms in bipolar patients. Larger studies are planned. Use under a doctor’s supervision. It is advisable to use supplements as a complement to meds rather than as a replacement.

What about acupuncture?
A pilot study comparing depression treatment (where the needles were placed at specific “depression” points) to sham treatment (the needles were randomly applied) found those in the depression treatment group experienced a 42 percent reduction in symptoms compared to 22 percent for the controls, with virtually no side effects. In fact a larger study is under-way, as is an acupuncture study using bipolar patients.

What about lifestyle choices?
These include diet, exercise, sleep, avoiding stress, and religious or spiritual practice.

What about diet?
Diet is crucial to good mood. When choosing a healthy diet, there are no right or wrong choices, though in general high fat, high sugar, and high carb diets should be avoided, and junk foods, caffeine and alcohol restricted. Folate (from leafy green vegetables) deficiency and high sugar intake have been linked to depression. Carbohydrates get processed into sugar, which can boost serotonin but also induce mood-busting sugar crashes. Chocolate can act as a tasty antidepressant, with an endorphin-like effect, but can set one up for a sugar crash. Paradoxically, eating too much sugar can lower blood sugar levels in some people, which results in further unhealthy cravings. Be mindful about switching to NutraSweet, however. One small study of patients with depression found they had severe reactions to its working chemical, aspartame.

What about exercise?
Numerous studies have found aerobic exercise works as effectively as antidepressants. Generally, the last thing you want to do when you’re depressed is exercise, but even a five minute walk can help. Exercise restores regular sleep and eating, raises energy levels, generates endorphins, boosts serotonin levels, and may stimulate new brain cell growth.

What about sleep?
Too little or too much sleep affects just about everyone with a mood disorder. For those with bipolar, missing a night’s sleep can trigger a manic episode. A major key to establishing good sleep hygiene is going to bed and waking up at a regular hour. For those who continue to experience difficulties, talking therapy can help, as well as sleeping pills and wakefulness agents.

What about avoiding stress?
Stress is toxic to anyone with a mood disorder, so every effort needs to be made to reduce stressful situations from one’s life and develop appropriate skills for coping. This may involve major life decisions regarding work and personal relationships. Numerous talking therapies can help people work through difficult job and relationship situations so that stress is less of a factor in one’s life. Therapy can also teach a range of coping skills. Other coping strategies include exercise, meditation, yoga, and relaxation exercises.

by John McManamy www.mcmanweb.com/bpfaq1.htm