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Alternative medicine
By Mayo Clinic staffSome alternative treatments may help, but there isn't much research on them. Most of the studies that do exist are on major depression, so it isn't clear how well most of these work for bipolar disorder.
- Omega-3 fatty acids. These oils may help improve brain function and depression associated with bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder appears to be less common in areas of the world where people regularly eat fish rich in omega-3s. Omega-3s appear to have a number of health benefits, but more studies are needed to determine just how much they help with bipolar disorder.
- St. John's wort. This herb may be helpful with depression. However, it can also interact with antidepressants and other medications, and has the potential to trigger mania in some people.
- S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe). This amino acid supplement appears to help brain function related to depression. It isn't clear yet whether it's helpful in people with bipolar disorder. As with St. John's wort, SAMe can trigger mania in some people.
- Herbal combinations. Herbal remedies that combine a number of different herbs, such as those used in traditional Chinese medicine, haven't been well studied. Some appear to help, but the risks and benefits still aren't clear.
- Acupuncture. This ancient Chinese practice of inserting tiny needles into the skin may relieve depression, but more studies are needed to confirm its benefits. However, it won't hurt for you to try it — acupuncture is safe and can be done along with other bipolar disorder treatments.
- Yoga. Yoga may help ease depression and mood swings associated with bipolar disorder. It also has a number of other health benefits.
- Massage therapy. Massage may also help relieve anxiety and stress, which can worsen bipolar symptoms.
Although some alternative medicine treatments can be a good addition to your regular treatment, take some precautions first:
- Don't stop taking your prescribed medications or skip therapy sessions. Alternative medicine is not a substitute for regular medical care when it comes to treating bipolar disorder.
- Be honest with your doctors and mental health providers. Tell them exactly which complementary treatments you use or would like to try.
- Be aware of potential dangers. Just because it's natural doesn't mean it's safe. Before using alternative medicine, be sure you know the risks, including possible interactions with medications.
References
- Bipolar disorder. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders DSM-IV-TR. 4th ed. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Association; 2000. http://www.psychiatryonline.com. Accessed Nov. 23, 2009.
- Bipolar disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml. Accessed Nov. 23, 2009.
- Muzina DJ. Bipolar spectrum disorder: Differential diagnosis and treatment. Primary Care Clinics in Office Practice. 2007;34:521.
- Perlis RH. Bipolar Disorder. In: Stern TA, et al. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/172533869-3/0/1657/289.html?tocnode=57542964&fromURL=289.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04743-2..50032-9_739. Accessed Nov. 23, 2009.
- Bostik JQ, et al. Child and adolescent psychiatric disorders. In: Stern TA, et al. Massachusetts General Hospital Comprehensive Clinical Psychiatry. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby; 2008. http://www.mdconsult.com/das/book/body/173934054-6/0/1657/630.html?tocnode=57544090&fromURL=630.html#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-04743-2..50071-8_1865. Accessed Nov. 23, 2009.
- Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder. Washington, D.C.: American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. http://www.aacap.org/galleries/PracticeParameters/JAACAP_bipolar_2007.pdf. Accessed Nov. 23, 2009.
- Merikangas KR, et al. Lifetime and 12-month prevalence of bipolar spectrum disorder in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry. 2007;64:543.
- Stovall J. Bipolar disorder: Treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
- Treatment of patients with bipolar disorder. Arlington, Va. American Psychological Association. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/pracGuide/pracGuideChapToc_8.aspx. Accessed Nov. 23, 2009.
- Martinez M, et al. Psychopharmacology. In: Hales RE. Textbook of Psychiatry. Arlington, Va.: American Psychiatric Publishing; 2008. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/content.aspx?aID=320111. Accessed Nov. 19, 2009.
- FDA approves Saphris to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm177401. Accessed Nov. 23, 2009.
- Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 1, 2009.
- Andreescu C, et al. Complementary and alternative medicine in the treatment of bipolar disorder: A review of the evidence. Journal of Affective Disorders 2008;110:16.
- Dennehy EB, et al. The safety, acceptability, and effectiveness of acupuncture as an adjunctive treatment for acute symptoms of bipolar disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2009;70:897.
- Montgomery P, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids for bipolar disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009:CD005169.
