What Are Non Medication Treatments For Depression In Bipolar
It is a common question amongst bipolar sufferers and their loved ones. What are non medication treatments for depression in bipolar? Are there any? Popular belief is that bipolar disorder can only be controlled by a lifetime regime of strong medication.
The answer to the question is a resounding yes. Several non-medication approaches have now been shown to be of benefit when added to the conventional medications for depression in bipolar. Mood stabilizer tactics and therapies are now emerging and being slowly embraced by some mental health practitioners. Regulating daily schedules and patterns of sleep, using light therapy and implementing regular exercise programs are now included as treatments for some bipolar patients.
Non Medication Treatments for Depression in Bipolar
...triggers. One of the best ways of doing this is by keeping a mood chart. Record all of the individuals emotions and the corresponding events that took place, over time you will begin to see a pattern in the bipolar ...
Light Therapy. A [http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez?cmd=Retrieve&db=pubmed&dopt=AbstractPlus&list_uids=16648320&query_hl=1&itool=pubmed_docsum]recent study published in Canada showed that approximately 100 patients with winter affective depression were randomly assigned to Prozac or a standard light box. There was equal improvement in both groups, with the light box marginally faster in lowering depression scores. This means that the light therapy is as good as the standard
...are looking for an online bipolar test, there are sure to be several available to assist you in determining whether or not you, or perhaps a family member or friend, might have symptoms of this illness. An online bipolar test ...
If you’re not familiar with light therapy, basically one sits in front of a box the size of a small suitcase (smaller ones now available) which emits a lot of light, for about 30 minutes to start, and as little as 15 minutes or less later to stay well through the winter.
Regular Exercise. The data showing that exercise can actually treat depression has been pretty good for a long while. It is well documented that depression can cause brain shrinkage, and that effective treatments can stop and at least partially reverse that shrinkage. A [http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?tool=pubmed&pubmedid=14978288]recent study by a research team at the University of Illinois
...This is no less true for medication. There are drug free Depression treatments available that are every bit as effective as prescription drugs without the side effects. There is such a variety of these treatments that we will only look ...
Although it may be difficult for a depressed person to think about exercising, even a regular walk can have a beneficial effect. Most people, however depressed, can still walk.
Specialised Psychotherapies For Bipolar. In April 2007 a [http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/cgi/content/full/64/4/419]major research program published their results showing that when the three psychotherapies listed below were added to mood stabilizer treatment for bipolar patients experiencing significant depression, the patients recovered more quickly and more were likely to stay well.
Bipolar-specific cognitive behavioral therapy
Interpersonal therapy with
...the only medication approved by the FDA for long term treatment of insomnia symptoms. Although Lunesta is a quality medicine that has already helped many people cure their insomnia symptoms and get a better night's sleep, there is something you ...
Family-focused therapy
The problem is finding a therapist who can provide one of these treatments. Currently, these psychotherapies are primarily found in large treatment programs that have adopted one or more of the new methods. For those interested in sourcing a sympathetic therapist, the internet is a good place to start.
There is no doubt that the non medication treatments for depression in bipolar are making a difference to the quality of life for some bipolar sufferers. They are able to wean off high doses of antidepressants, and also benefit from the positive side effects of good sleep patterns, exercise and light therapy.
Jean Littman is co-owner of [http://www.bipolarclues.com ]BipolarClues.com which provides quality tools and
...variety of antidepressants before finding the most effective medication or combination of medications. Sometimes the dosage must be increased to be effective. Although some improvements may be seen in the first few weeks, antidepressant medications must be taken regularly for ...