| It is a common question amongst bipolar sufferers and | | | | were more active as well. They then did the crucial |
| their loved ones. What are non medication treatments | | | | follow-up test: they divided a group of elders into two |
| for depression in bipolar? Are there any? Popular belief | | | | groups, one which participated in an aerobic exercise |
| is that bipolar disorder can only be controlled by a | | | | program, and one which did not. They have found that |
| lifetime regime of strong medication. | | | | the group which exercised increased their brain size |
| The answer to the question is a resounding yes. | | | | compared to the sedentary control group, in the brain |
| Several non-medication approaches have now been | | | | regions which are known to shrink when people have |
| shown to be of benefit when added to the | | | | mood problems. . Extrapolating just slightly from these |
| conventional medications for depression in bipolar. | | | | results, we now have preliminary evidence that |
| Mood stabilizer tactics and therapies are now | | | | exercise, like other effective antidepressants, can |
| emerging and being slowly embraced by some mental | | | | reverse brain shrinkage. |
| health practitioners. Regulating daily schedules and | | | | Although it may be difficult for a depressed person to |
| patterns of sleep, using light therapy and implementing | | | | think about exercising, even a regular walk can have |
| regular exercise programs are now included as | | | | the desired effect. Most people, however depressed, |
| treatments for some bipolar patients. | | | | can still walk. Walking has the absolute best record for |
| NON MEDICATION TREATMENTS FOR | | | | easy access. The Harvard Bipolar Program leader, Dr. |
| DEPRESSION IN BIPOLAR | | | | Sachs, says "here's your exercise program: go to the |
| Â-Maintaining a regular daily schedule. One | | | | door, look at your watch. Walk 7.5 minutes in any |
| approach that is crucial for some patients with bipolar | | | | direction, then turn around and walk home. Do that 5 |
| disorder is to maintain a regular daily schedule, | | | | days a week at least." And that's it. |
| especially regular patterns of sleep. One such therapy | | | | So the answer to the question "what at non |
| is organized around the daily schedule idea, in particular | | | | medication treatments for depression in bipolar" is |
| having a regular time to go to sleep, and a regular time | | | | simply that there are many. This article has covered |
| to wake up and get out of bed. | | | | just a few. |
| Â-Light Therapy. A recent study published in | | | | Â-Specialized Psychotherapies For Bipolar.In April |
| Canada showed that approximately 100 patients with | | | | 2007 a major research program published their results |
| winter affective depression were randomly assigned | | | | showing that when the three psychotherapies listed |
| to Prozac or a standard light box. There was equal | | | | below were added to mood stabilizer treatment for |
| improvement in both groups, with the light box | | | | bipolar patients experiencing significant depression, the |
| marginally faster in lowering depression scores. This | | | | patients recovered more quickly and more were likely |
| means that the light therapy is as good as the | | | | to stay well. |
| standard antidepressant approach, but has fewer side | | | | Â- Bipolar-specific cognitive behavioral therapy |
| effects and less overall risk. | | | | Â- Interpersonal therapy with social rhythm |
| If you're not familiar with light therapy, basically one sits | | | | therapy |
| in front of a box the size of a small suitcase (smaller | | | | Â- Family-focused therapy (for patients with |
| ones now available) which emits a lot of light, for about | | | | family who could join in treatment) |
| 30 minutes to start, and as little as 15 minutes or less | | | | The problem is finding a therapist who can provide one |
| later to stay well through the winter. | | | | of these treatments. Currently, these psychotherapies |
| Â-Regular Exercise. The data showing that | | | | are primarily found in large treatment programs that |
| exercise can actually treat depression has been pretty | | | | have adopted one or more of the new methods. For |
| good for a long while. It is well documented that | | | | those interested in sourcing a sympathetic therapist, |
| depression can cause brain shrinkage, and that | | | | the internet is a good place to start. |
| effective treatments can stop and at least partially | | | | There is no doubt that the non medication treatments |
| reverse that shrinkage. A recent study by a research | | | | for depression in bipolar are making a difference to the |
| team at the University of Illinois compared people with | | | | quality of life for some bipolar sufferers. They are able |
| an average age of 67 who were physically active to | | | | to wean off high doses of antidepressants, and also |
| those who were less active. | | | | benefit from the positive side effects of good sleep |
| The results showed that the active elders had better | | | | patterns, exercise and light therapy. |
| mental skills and memory, and even that their brains | | | | |