Bipolar Disorder Treatments - Natural Remedies for Bipolar Symptoms

Bipolar Affective Disorder, previously known as manic depression, is a mood disorder characterized by dramatic mood swings and extreme changes in energy and/or behavior. Those who have this mental illness experience alternating episodes of mania or, if milder, hypomania, and depression. Each episode of mania or depression can last for hours, weeks or several months. And bipolar treatments will differ depending on which episode the individual is in.

Individuals can experience normal moods in between episodes. The disorder has been subdivided into Bipolar I, Bipolar II and other types, based on the nature and severity of mood episodes experienced.

During a manic episode, individuals with Bipolar Disorder will experience an abnormally elevated mood with extreme euphoria, which is an intense feeling of well-being or elation (usually groundless, disproportionate to its cause, or inappropriate to one's life situation) or extreme irritability. Because of the feelings of euphoria felt during a manic episode, individuals tend not to want to seek out treatment for their bipolar disorder (they don't want to come down). Individuals will also experience increased physical and mental activity and sometimes psychosis. Episodes of mania typically alternate with depressive episodes. Mania varies in intensity and severity, from mild mania (known as hypomania) to full-blown mania with psychotic symptoms (hallucinations and delusional beliefs). Mania and hypomania have also been associated with creativity and artistic talent.

Manic symptoms vary significantly from person to person; however, during a manic episode the majority of sufferers show three (or more) of the following symptoms to a significant degree.

Symptoms of Bipolar Manic Episodes:

*Euphoric Mood
*Extreme Optimism/Excitement
*Racing Thoughts/Overflowing with New Ideas
*Rapid Speech/Talkativeness
*Low Attention Span
*Easily Distracted/Lack of Concentration
*Hyperactivity/Increased Energy/Restlessness
*Productivity/Increased Goal-Directed Activity
*Decreased Need to Sleep
*Aggressive Behavior
*Delusions of Grandiosity/Inflated Self-Esteem
*Highly Over-Confident/Unrealistic Belief in One's Own Abilities
*High Sex Drive/Hypersexuality
*Poor Judgment/Fail to See Obvious Risks
*Feelings of Being Out of Control
*Extreme Irritability
*No Patience or Tolerance for Others
*Little/No Social Inhibition
*Impulsivity
*Reckless Behavior Without Regard for Consequences
*Abnormal Risky Behavior
Reckless Driving
Gambling
Spending Sprees
Impulsive Sexual Indiscretion
Substance Abuse
Ill-Advised Business Decisions
*Psychosis

Extreme manic episodes can sometimes lead to psychosis which may include hallucinations or delusional beliefs, personality changes and disorganized thinking. These may be accompanied by unusual or bizarre behavior, as well as difficulty with social interaction and impairment in carrying out the activities of daily living.

More on Symptoms of Bipolar Mania

Hypomania is a milder form mania, characteristic of Bipolar II Disorder. Individuals in the hypomanic phase generally experience the same symptoms of mania, although, fewer and usually for a shorter period of time than in mania. The hypomanic episode is not severe enough to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning, or to necessitate hospitalization, and there are no psychotic features.

More on Symptoms of Bipolar Hypomania

Major depressive symptoms vary significantly from person to person; however, during a major depressive episode, the majority of sufferers show five(or more) of the following symptoms, most of the day or nearly every day. One of the symptoms must be either a depressed mood, or loss of interest.

It is very important to try to get the individual to seek treatment during this bipolar episode as it's typical for them to have suicidal thoughts and/or attempts during this phase.

Symptoms of Bipolar Depressive Episodes:

* Persistent Depressed/Sad/Anxious/Empty Moods
* Feelings of Helplessness, Excessive or Inappropriate Guilt, or Worthlessness
* Loss or Diminished Interest or Pleasure in All, or Almost All, Activities
* Fatigue/Decreased Energy
* Behavior That is Agitated or Slowed Down
* Diminished Ability to Think /Poor Concentration/Indecisiveness
* Irritability
* Restlessness
*

During a mixed affective episode, individuals with Bipolar Disorder will experience the symptoms of both a manic episode and a major depressive episode simultaneously, nearly every day during at least a 1 week period.

Natural Supplements for Bipolar Affective Disorder, as well as other herbal treatments, have been found by some people with Bipolar Disorder to help manage their symptoms. However, I would strongly warn you to check with your psychiatrist before trying any of these supplements or natural treatments - especially if you are already taking medication for Bipolar Affective Disorder. In addition, I would like to remind you to always take any supplements and natural treatments in addition to and not instead of your regular prescription medication. Use of supplements in any way to treat Bipolar Affective Disorder, however, should be used with the knowledge that the are only effective as a supplement, and as a treatment for symptoms; never as a primary treatment for the underlying cause of the disorder. However, some might help enhance the effectiveness of prescription treatment.

Please Remember: Natural and Herbal treatments take longer than traditional prescription medications to work. Supplements and natural Bipolar treatments may take a few weeks or longer to show effectiveness because they work with individual body chemistry.

*Fish oil: In a double blind study, those taking the fish oil (in addition to their regular medications) had longer symptom-free periods.1 The researchers measured symptoms, examining levels of depression, mania, and overall progress. Supplement Forms/Alternate Names: Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA); Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA); Omega-3 Fatty Acids; Omega-3 Oil(s)

*Ethyl-EPA: Another study found that ethyl-EPA (a modified form of a constituent of fish oil) was helpful along with standard treatment for the depressed phase of bipolar disorder.19 A third study failed to find ethyl-EPA helpful for rapid cycling bipolar disorder.24

*Flaxseed Oil: The same researchers who conducted the fish oil study have also experimented with flaxseed oil for bipolar disorder.5 Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linoleic acid (ALA), an omega-3 fatty acid related to the fatty acids in fish oil. In the researchers' informal observations of 22 people with bipolar disorder, all but four appeared to benefit from flaxseed oil. However, lacking a double-blind study, these results can't be taken as meaningful. When a double-blind study is finally performed, flaxseed oil may turn out not to be helpful at all. Supplement Forms / Alternate Names: ALA; Alpha-linolenic Acid; Linseed Oil

*Choline6: Oral choline supplementation resulted in a significant decrease in brain purine levels in lithium-treated patients with rapid-cycling bipolar disorder, which may be related to the anti-manic effects of adjuvant choline.

*Lecithin7: Lecithin, a fatty constituent in foods, is a major source of choline. ; it is comprised mostly of a type of choline called phosphatidylcholine (PC). Lecithin and PC have been studied separately as treatments for a variety of illnesses. In a double blind study, those taking lecithin saw a significantly greater than improvement (anti-manic effect). Related Terms Egg Lecithin; Phosphatidylcholine in Lecithin; Soy Lecithin

*Vitamin C8-10: Very weak evidence suggests possible benefits.Supplement Forms/Alternate Names: Ascorbate; Ascorbic Acid

*Vitamin B12: Like folic acid, low levels of Vitamin B12 may also be (in part) responsible for triggering manic states. Vitamin B12 also plays a role in the creation of many of the mood-regulating brain chemicals (GABA, Serotonin, Dopamine, and others). No research studies have been conducted on treating bipolar disorder with vitamin B12, but the rationale behind supplementing with this vitamin appears theoretically sound. Supplement Forms/Alternate Names Cobalamin; Cyanocobalamin; Hydrocobalamin; Methylcobalamin

*Inositol14: Very weak evidence suggests possible benefits. Inositol may also reduce psoriasis symptoms caused by lithium.21 (However, caution is advised with inositol, as ther is one report of inositol inducing a manic state, but no other studies show this effect.) Supplement Forms/Alternate Names: IP6; Inositol Hexaphosphate; Myoinositol; Phytic Acid; Vitamin B 8

*Folate: Despite promising preliminary indications,11 a double-blind study failed to find that folate enhances the effect of the drug lithium.13 Supplement Forms/Alternate Names: Folic Acid; Folacin

*Note: Lithium is sometimes sold as a mineral supplement for treating bipolar disorder. However, this proposed use is based on a misunderstanding. When lithium is used medically as treatment for bipolar disorder, it is taken at doses far above any possible nutritional need. No researcher has seriously suggested that lithium deficiency causes bipolar symptoms, and taking low doses of lithium are unlikely to have any effect at all.

Disclaimer: Statements made, or products sold through this Squidoo Lens, have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

There may be interactions between certain vitamins, minerals, supplements, or herbs with prescription medications used to prevent or treat bipolar affective disorder. For example, people who use lithium should avoid herbal diuretics, vanadium and citrate.

*WARNING: Antidepressant drugs may cause manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder. For this reason, herbs and supplements with antidepressant properties might also be risky. Case reports suggest that SAMe,16,17,18 St. John's Wort,7,8 and inositol15 can indeed trigger manic episodes.

* WARNING: Vanadium is thought to be a possible cause of bipolar disorder mood cycling and should be avoided as a supplement. It has been suggested that the drug lithium works, in part, by reducing the body's level of vanadium.1 For this reason, it might be advisable for people with bipolar disorder to avoid using supplements that contain vanadium.

*WARNING: The supplement chromium is often sold in the form of chromium picolinate. Picolinate can alter levels of neurotransmitters.5 This has led to concern among some experts that chromium picolinate might be harmful to people with bipolar disorder.2

*WARNING: The supplement L-glutamine, while not normally considered to have antidepressant properties, has reportedly triggered episodes of mania in two people not previously known to have bipolar disorder.4

*WARNING: A ginseng product has also been associated with an episode of mania.6

For more information other potential interactions, see your psychiatrist.

MoodCalm: Homeopathic to calm episodes of severe mood swings, emotional outbursts and manic behavior.

Melancholy Lift: Homeopathic remedy used to relieve sadness and melancholy and for those with a highly sensitive nature

MindSoothe: Promote balanced mood and feelings of wellbeing

PureCalm: Aids nervous system in stress resistance for balanced moods and feelings of well being

Nerve Tonic: Promotes nervous system health, maintains balanced mood and worry free mind

Native Remedies MoodCalm To Calm Severe Mood Swings, Emotional Outbursts and Manic Behavior (125 Supplements)

* Reduces Extreme Mood Swings
* Calms Temper, Anger Outbursts and Agitation
* Balances Extreme Emotional Highs
* Eliminates Uncharacteristic Hyper Behavior
* Reduces Impulsivity
* Improves Balanced Mood

MoodCalm is a safe, non-addictive FDA registered natural remedy, containing 100% homeopathic ingredients especially selected to relieve mood swings, uncharacteristic behavior and agitation, as well as anger outbursts.
The selected homeopathic ingredients have been homeopathically proven to safely and temporarily reduce extreme emotional highs. MoodCalm helps the body and mind to transition back into equilibrium naturally.

MoodCalm is taken internally and works quickly to soothe the nervous system and promote a calm, balanced and stable mood. Presented in small dissolvable tablets, MoodCalm is easy to ingest and hassle-free with no artificial colors or preservatives.

Due to the safe and effective homeopathic formula, MoodCalm may be used without risk of negative interactions. It may also be used safely during pregnancy and for all ages. As a result, MoodCalm can make all the difference, without compromising health.

All Native Remedies homeopathic products and biochemic tissue salts are manufactured in an FDA and GMP registered pharmaceutical facility under the supervision of qualified homeopaths and responsible pharmacists. Individual ingredients are listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS).

Native Remedies Melancholy Lift to Relieve Feelings Of Melancholy, Sadness and Grief (125 Supplements)

* Relieves Symptoms of Melancholy, including Quiet Mood, Weepiness, and Somber Demeanor
* Reduces Weepiness or Episodes of Tears
* Improves Emotional Balance during Times of Sorrow and Grief
* Reduces Feelings of Sadness
* Lifts Depressive Moods

Melancholy Lift is a safe, non-addictive, FDA-registered natural remedy containing 100% homeopathic ingredients especially selected to temporarily relive feelings of melancholy, sadness, grief and weepiness.
Melancholy Lift should be taken at the first signs of melancholy such as sadness, weepiness and feelings of fragility to reduce feelings of grief. It can also be used provide short-term improvement for somber moods or those with sensitive dispositions - all without side effects.

Melancholy Lift is taken internally and works quickly to improve emotional balance and stable mood. Presented in small dissolvable tablets, Melancholy Lift is easy to ingest and hassle-free with no artificial colors or preservatives.
All Native Remedies homeopathic products and biochemic tissue salts are manufactured in an FDA and GMP registered pharmaceutical facility under the supervision of qualified homeopaths and responsible pharmacists. Individual ingredients are listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS)

Native Remedies MindSoothe Capsules to Support Emotional Wellness and Maintain a Positive Mental Attitude (60 Supplements)

* Support Emotional Wellness and Health
* Support the Nervous System
* Lessen Common Feelings of the Blues
* Support a Healthy Motivated Attitude
* Support a Reasonable Positive Mental Attitude
* Maintain a Well-Adjusted Outlook and Positive Temperament
* Support Healthy Sleep Patterns and Balanced Appetite

MindSoothe is a 100% safe, non-addictive, natural herbal remedy that has been especially formulated by a Clinical Psychologist for adults and teens, and comes in a compact capsule form, making it easy to take.

MindSoothe can be used to safely maintain emotional health, balanced mood and systemic harmony in the brain and nervous system, without harmful side effects. This remedy contains a selection of herbs known for their excellent and supportive function in maintaining brain and nervous system health, emotional balance and overall emotional well-being.

While the herbal ingredients in MindSoothe have been used for thousands of years in traditional folk medicine, more recently extensive research has supported the therapeutic and tonic benefits, as well as the safety profile of these herbs - meaning that you can use MindSoothe with confidence and without fear of side effects.

The formula remains true to the whole spectrum method of manufacture, ensuring the bio-availability and balance of all the active ingredients contained in the remedy. This method of manufacture also significantly reduces the likelihood of side effects and maintains all active ingredients in perfect balance - exactly as nature intended!

In combination with a healthy lifestyle and diet, MindSoothe supports the healthy functioning of the brain and nervous system, thereby helping to support emotional wellness and maintaining balanced mood, a positive mental attitude, and routine equilibrium.

As a bonus, regular use of MindSoothe also helps to maintain healthy sleep patterns, a balanced appetite and support a healthy sex drive. MindSoothe can be used consistently, without compromising health.

Native Remedies PureCalm to Facilitate a Calmed Mood, Soothe Nervous Tension and Support the Nervous System, 50 ml

*Support the Health of the Nervous System

*Help Maintain Balanced Emotions during Everyday Pressure, Stress and Common Nervous Tension

*Support Healthy Feelings of Well-Being

*Soothe the Nerves, Stay Calm and Maintain a Positive Outlook

PureCalm is a 100% safe, non-addictive herbal remedy that has been specially formulated by a Clinical Psychologist for adults and children.

PureCalm can been used to safely maintain harmony, health and systemic balance in the brain and nervous system, without harmful side effects. This remedy contains a selection of herbs known for their supportive role in maintaining healthy nervous system function. Due to the concentrated tincture formula, PureCalm Drops work quickly to maintain balance and harmony in the nervous system - exactly when you need it!

The formula remains true to the whole spectrum method of herbal extraction, ensuring the bio-availability and balance of all the active ingredients contained in the remedy. This method of manufacture also significantly reduces the likelihood of side effects and maintains all active ingredients in perfect balance - exactly as nature intended!

NOTE: PureCalm is often recommended along with Mindsoothe for adults or MindSoothe Jr for children. Using MindSoothe daily will support ongoing emotional health, serotonin balance and feelings of well-being in the long term. (See the Mindsoothe/PureCalm UltraPack below)

Native Remedies Triple Complex Nerve Tonic to Relieve Stress, Worry and Nervous Tension (360 Supplements)

*Calms the Nerves and Supports a Naturally Balanced Mood

*Reduces the Effects of Everyday Stress, Worries and Nervous Tension

*Promotes Nervous System Health and Brain Efficiency

*Maintains Routine Balance of Cell Salts in the Body

MoodCalm is a safe, non-addictive FDA registered natural remedy, containing 100% homeopathic ingredients especially selected to relieve mood swings, uncharacteristic behavior and agitation, as well as anger outbursts.

The selected homeopathic ingredients have been homeopathically proven to safely and temporarily reduce extreme emotional highs. MoodCalm helps the body and mind to transition back into equilibrium naturally.

MoodCalm is taken internally and works quickly to soothe the nervous system and promote a calm, balanced and stable mood. Presented in small dissolvable tablets, MoodCalm is easy to ingest and hassle-free with no artificial colors or preservatives.

Due to the safe and effective homeopathic formula, MoodCalm may be used without risk of negative interactions. It may also be used safely during pregnancy and for all ages. As a result, MoodCalm can make all the difference, without compromising health.

All Native Remedies homeopathic products and biochemic tissue salts are manufactured in an FDA and GMP registered pharmaceutical facility under the supervision of qualified homeopaths and responsible pharmacists. Individual ingredients are listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopoeia of the United States (HPUS).

Native Remedies Bipolar Combo Pack; Moodcalm, Mindsoothe and Purecalm (One Of Each)

Homeopathic and herbal remedies to calm emotional outbursts, reduce severe mood swings and support ongoing emotional health and balance.

Save 15% with Combo Packs

*rTMS: A special form of magnet therapy which has shown some promise for bipolar disorder.9

*Anion Generator: This is an air ionizer that produces negative ions that has shown promise for mitigating the symptoms of acute mania.22

*Exercise: Exercising can have a profound effect on the symptoms of depression, but is largely untested as a treatment for people with bipolar disorder. Studies conducted suggest that exercise increases the mood-regulating neurotransmitters serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine. Exercise also releases endorphins, chemicals naturally produced in the body which reduce the experience of pain and enhance a sense of well-being. Exercise can be a vital alternative for managing bipolar depression, given the various problems that antidepressants can cause for this disorder, although, additional research is necessary. Just like any pther natural treatment, it may take a few weeks or a month of regular exercise before you notice significant results. One possible problem with exercising is that Lithium is excreted in sweat. In one study, heavy sweating led to decreased lithium levels in the blood. Particularly if you take lithium, consult with your psychiatrist before starting any exercise program.

A portion of this Len's royalties are donated to the Soldier's Angel Charity, a non-profit organization providing aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and their families.

"May No Soldier Go Unloved"

Doesn't that make you feel good?

Did you know that if you are suffering from Bipolar Disorder and the condition interferes with the ability to work, that you may be eligible for Social Security Disability from the United States government? Most people don't even think it's an option, however, because Bipolar is not a physical illness with standard medical tests, it can be difficult to near impossible to get the benefits you are entitled to. To Discover How You Can Take Home A Lifetime Of Monthly Disability Checks And Free Medical Care From Social Security For Your Bipolar Disorder. . . Without Paying An Expensive Lawyer...And Without Going Through Denial After Unfair Denial, check out this guide.

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22. Giannini AJ, Giannini JD, Melemis S, et al. Treatment of acute mania with ambient air anionization: variants of climactic heat stress and serotonin syndrome. Psychol Rep. 2007;100:157-163.

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