Holistic Treatment of Bipolar Disorder

by Marisa Serafini

Overview

Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder characterized by extreme mood swings. The person with bipolar disorder typically experiences episodes of mania, which usually include elevated mood, high levels of energy and irresponsible or reckless behavior. These manic episodes are typically followed by periods of extreme depression. This disorder is usually treated with medications called mood stabilizers, but these often come with problems and side effects. Some people find that holistic alternatives are better suited to their needs. These holistic measures can also be used as a supplement to medication.
Nutrition

Many mental health professionals and physicians say that nutrition can play a significant role in the severity of symptoms as well as the onset of manic and depressive episodes. Those who subscribe to this belief may suggest that the bipolar individual avoid foods and beverages high in sugar and caffeine. Two beverages, soda and alcohol, are among the first things to eliminate from your diet. The bipolar individual is encouraged to increase his intake of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and lean protein such as poultry and fish.

Mental Control and Relaxation

Because one of the major problems associated with bipolar disorder is the tendency for mood swings to occur, the bipolar individual may benefit from learning ways to control and relax his mind. Some of the more popular techniques for this purpose are tai chi, meditation, visualization or guided imagery and hypnosis. These techniques are most beneficial at the early onset of a mood swing and may not be as helpful when moods are more intense.
Biofeedback

One of the newer holistic approaches to treating bipolar disorder is biofeedback. In this type of treatment, brain activity is monitored by an EEG. The treatment works by immediately rewarding the person, with video or sound, when brain wave frequencies indicative of relaxation are picked up by the EEG. The final goal of treatment is for the bipolar individual to learn the physical and mental cues which signal relaxation or arousal and learn how to induce a state of relaxation in herself.

Overview