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Lifestyle and home remedies

By Mayo Clinic staff

You'll probably need to make lifestyle changes to stop cycles of behavior that worsen your bipolar disorder, and to make sure you get the support you need from people in your life. Here are some steps to take:

  • Quit drinking or using illicit drugs. One of the biggest concerns with bipolar disorder is the negative consequences of risk-taking behavior and drug or alcohol abuse. Get help if you have trouble quitting on your own.
  • Steer clear of unhealthy relationships. Surround yourself with people who are a positive influence and won't encourage unhealthy behavior or attitudes that can worsen your bipolar disorder.
  • Get regular exercise. Moderate, regular exercise can help steady your mood. Working out releases brain chemicals that make you feel good (endorphins), can help you sleep and has a number of other benefits.
  • Get plenty of sleep. Sleeping enough is an important part of managing your mood. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor or mental health provider about what you can do.
Alternative medicine Treatments and drugs
References
  1. 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.
  2. Bipolar disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/bipolar-disorder/complete-index.shtml. Accessed Nov. 23, 2009.
  3. Muzina DJ. Bipolar spectrum disorder: Differential diagnosis and treatment. Primary Care Clinics in Office Practice. 2007;34:521.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. Stovall J. Bipolar disorder: Treatment. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 18, 2009.
  9. Treatment of patients with bipolar disorder. Arlington, Va. American Psychological Association. http://www.psychiatryonline.com/pracGuide/pracGuideChapToc_8.aspx. Accessed Nov. 23, 2009.
  10. 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.
  11. 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.
  12. Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 1, 2009.
  13. 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.
  14. 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.
  15. Montgomery P, et al. Omega-3 fatty acids for bipolar disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009:CD005169.

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Jan. 5, 2010

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