Alternative Medications For Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is one of the most severe forms of mental illness and is characterized by recurrent episodes of mania and depression. The condition has a high rate of recurrence and if untreated, it has a 20% risk of death by suicide. It is the third leading cause of death among people aged 15-24 years, and is the 6th leading cause of disability for people aged 15-44 years in the developed world. Bipolar Disorder has many definitions. It indicates a state of mind where the person experiences extreme variations in mood. It is also known as manic depression where deep depression follows high elation and this is an alternating process. This type of depression can have very lasting effects on the individual and on the family. It is characterized as manic episodes following depressive episodes.

Simply put, here is a disease that affects every aspect of human behavior - thoughts, feelings, perception and of course over all behavior. The reason for these mood swings, according to experts, is due to malfunctioning electrical and chemical elements in the brain. There is an opinion that it may be hereditary and if someone in the family had it or any other mental disorder, then chances are that you may also get it.

Medication is available but patients are not always comfortable taking them. The prescription medication is very often passed over in favor of alternative therapies or supplemental medication.

Research has shown that fish is very effective in treating bipolar patients. It is the omega 3 content in certain fish that is found to be an effective remedy. An intensive research was carried out on thirty bipolar patients which was a double blind study and placebo controlled. The aim was to compare the efficacy of omega 3 versus placebo or olive oil treatment for bipolar disorder.

Bipolar disorder has been defined as a neuropsychiatic illness with a high morbidity and mortality rate. The preliminary studies showed that omega 3 had a better performance and the result was seen in the form of longer remissions. This was done based on the severity of symptoms on a four point scale. Studies are still on and researchers are looking to produce some new classes of psychotropic compounds that would work as effective mood stabilizers.

Herbal supplements are preferred over the prescribed drugs but it has to be pointed out not all herbs are meant for bipolar treatment. There are some herbs which can make the condition worse and there are others which will react if taken along with certain drugs. So if you are considering herbal medication and are also on some regular drugs then do check with your doctor first.

Another important aspect to keep in mind while undergoing treatment for bipolar is diet and your nutrition. It is very important that your body gets the right nutrients at the right time. Holistic physicians prescribe thiamin, magnesium and B complex for depressive episodes.

It is a good idea to talk to your rabbi, priest or pastor instead of therapists. The role of the religious community is now being given due regard in terms of involvement in medication and psychotherapies. Prayers and spirituality make up this line of treatment.

There is yet another avenue that can be considered by those who stay at home a lot. These are called expressive therapies where you can join an art group or painting, sculpting or whatever your hobby is. You are sure to find a therapist in your locality where expressive and art therapies are undertaken. If you are looking for movement then try a dance class where you can allow your feet to tap out a rhythm all on their own. Put in all the emotional, cognitive and physical facets to your dancing and let your spirit soar.

If dance is not your thing but you like music then try a sound therapy class where soft soothing music will help your treatment. The stimulation of body chemicals will result in improvement in breathing, pulse rate, blood pressure and flow and posture changes.

Traditional therapies or even those based on cultures like acupuncture, yoga, reiki and shiatsu are all healing arts and these operate on the overall state of wellness of the individual comprising the emotional, spiritual and the physical. An imbalance in the forces in your body will result in an illness.

Ideally speaking, a combination of all these therapies - right diet, art therapies, pastoral, omega 3, traditional and art therapy and maybe the imbalance of forces in the body might be the answer.

What has to be remembered is that if you are on prescribed medication, don't stop; but rather check with your doctor if you have any problems. Confirm that you can safely use alternative medication with prescribed drugs.

In sum, severe psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and manic-depressive illness are costly. Society must raise and educate the individual destined to become afflicted; people with these illnesses are often unable to contribute economically to society; and many require costly services from society for the rest of their lives.