What Are Non Medication Treatments For Depression In Bipolar

It is a common question amongst bipolar sufferers andThe results showed that the active elders had better
their loved ones. What are non medication treatmentsmental skills and memory, and even that their brains
for depression in bipolar? Are there any? Popular beliefwere more active as well. They then did the crucial
is that bipolar disorder can only be controlled by afollow-up test: they divided a group of elders into two
lifetime regime of strong medication.groups, one which participated in an aerobic exercise
The answer to the question is a resounding yes.program, and one which did not. They have found that
Several non-medication approaches have now beenthe group which exercised increased their brain size
shown to be of benefit when added to thecompared to the sedentary control group, in the brain
conventional medications for depression in bipolar.regions which are known to shrink when people have
Mood stabilizer tactics and therapies are nowmood problems. . Extrapolating just slightly from these
emerging and being slowly embraced by some mentalresults, we now have preliminary evidence that
health practitioners. Regulating daily schedules andexercise, like other effective antidepressants, can
patterns of sleep, using light therapy and implementingreverse brain shrinkage.
regular exercise programs are now included asAlthough it may be difficult for a depressed person to
treatments for some bipolar patients.think about exercising, even a regular walk can have
Non Medication Treatments for depression in bipolarthe desired effect. Most people, however depressed,
· Maintaining a regular daily schedule. Onecan still walk. Walking has the absolute best record for
approach that is crucial for some patients with bipolareasy access. The Harvard Bipolar Program leader, Dr.
disorder is to maintain a regular daily schedule,Sachs, says "here's your exercise program: go to the
especially regular patterns of sleep. One such therapydoor, look at your watch. Walk 7.5 minutes in any
is organized around the daily schedule idea, in particulardirection, then turn around and walk home. Do that 5
having a regular time to go to sleep, and a regular timedays a week at least." And that's it.
to wake up and get out of bed.· Specialised Psychotherapies For Bipolar. In April
· Light Therapy. A recent study published in2007 a major research program published their results
Canada showed that approximately 100 patients withshowing that when the three psychotherapies listed
winter affective depression were randomly assignedbelow were added to mood stabilizer treatment for
to Prozac or a standard light box. There was equalbipolar patients experiencing significant depression, the
improvement in both groups, with the light boxpatients recovered more quickly and more were likely
marginally faster in lowering depression scores.to stay well.
This means that the light therapy is as good as the- Bipolar-specific cognitive behavioral therapy
standard antidepressant approach, but has fewer side- Interpersonal therapy with social rhythm therapy
effects and less overall risk.- Family-focused therapy (for patients with family who
If you're not familiar with light therapy, basically one sitscould join in treatment)
in front of a box the size of a small suitcase (smallerThe problem is finding a therapist who can provide one
ones now available) which emits a lot of light, for aboutof these treatments.
30 minutes to start, and as little as 15 minutes or lessCurrently, these psychotherapies are primarily found in
later to stay well through the winter.large treatment programs that have adopted one or
· Regular Exercise. The data showing thatmore of the new methods. For those interested in
exercise can actually treat depression has been prettysourcing a sympathetic therapist, the internet is a good
good for a long while. It is well documented thatplace to start.
depression can cause brain shrinkage, and thatThere is no doubt that the non medication treatments
effective treatments can stop and at least partiallyfor depression in bipolar are making a difference to the
reverse that shrinkage. A recent study by a researchquality of life for some bipolar sufferers. They are able
team at the University of Illinois compared people withto wean off high doses of antidepressants, and also
an average age of 67 who were physically active tobenefit from the positive side effects of good sleep
those who were less active.patterns, exercise and light therapy.