What is hypomania

Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. Hypomania literally translates into ‘less than mania’. Hypomania describes a high that is less severe than a manic episode and without any delusions and/or hallucinations. In a hypomanic state, you’ll likely feel euphoric, energetic, and productive, but will still be able to carry on with your day-to-day life without losing touch with reality. To others, it may seem as if you’re merely in an unusually good mood. However, hypomania can result in bad decisions that harm your relationships, career, and reputation. In addition, hypomania often escalates to full-blown mania or is followed by a major depressive episode. Both mania and hypomania are symptoms of bipolar disorder. Mania is the ‘high’ euphoric end of the mood scale, with hypomania similar but with less intensity.

A hypomanic episode is an emotional state characterized by a distinct period of persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, lasting throughout at least four consecutive days, according to the American Psychiatric Association ¹. The hypomanic mood must be present for most of the day, nearly every day. This hypomanic mood is clearly different from the person’s usual mood and level of functioning.

During the time a person experiences a hypomanic mood episode, three or more of the following symptoms need to be present (four if the mood is only irritable), and have been present to a significant degree:

• Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity
• Decreased need for sleep (e.g., feels rested after only 3 hours of sleep)
• More talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking
• Flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing
• Distractibility (e.g., attention too easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli)
• Increase in goal-directed activity (either socially, at work or school, or sexually) or psychomotor agitation
• Excessive involvement in pleasurable activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g., the person engages in unrestrained buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, or foolish business investments)

It’s important to keep in mind that a hypomanic episode is associated with a significant change in functioning that is uncharacteristic of the person. For example, the individual may be far more productive or outgoing and sociable than they usually are. This change in functioning and in mood is not subtle — the change is directly noticeable by others (usually friends or family members) during a hypomanic episode.

A hypomanic episode is also not severe enough to cause serious impairment in social or occupational functioning, or to necessitate hospitalization, and there are no psychotic features during the episode (for instance, the person does not experience hallucinations or delusions).

The observable symptoms of a hypomanic episode must not be due to substance use or abuse (e.g., alcohol, drugs, medications) or caused by a general medical condition (e.g., hyperthyroidism or diabetes).

People who experience a hypomanic episode are often diagnosed with a type of bipolar disorder called bipolar 2. Bipolar 2 disorder is a serious mental illness that could result in possibly significant problems in a person’s life if left untreated or unaddressed.

A hypomanic episode brought about by the effects of a drug or psychiatric treatment (such as starting a course of antidepressants) is generally not diagnosed, unless it continues to persist beyond the physiological effects of the treatment. For instance, a person who experiences a hypomanic episode for four or more consecutive days due to ingestion of cocaine or meth would generally not be diagnosed with bipolar II disorder.

A hypomanic episode is not a psychiatric disorder or diagnosis in itself, but rather is a description of a part of a condition called bipolar II disorder.

Hypomanic episodes have the same symptoms as manic episodes with two important differences: the mood usually isn’t severe enough to cause problems with the person working or socializing with others (e.g., they don’t have to take time off work during the episode), or to require hospitalization; and there are never any psychotic features present during the episode.

While once thought to be a less severe form of bipolar disorder, bipolar 2 disorder (with hypomanic episodes) is now recognized that it can be just as debilitating and difficult to live with as bipolar 1 disorder (with manic episodes).

Hypomania is one reason that bipolar goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for so long. People with bipolar II most often seek help for depression and might not recognize they have experienced hypomania until they are screened for bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, patients see an average of five doctors and wait an average 10 years before receiving a correct diagnosis of bipolar disorder. It’s frequently misdiagnosed as major depressive disorder. This is especially harmful since antidepressants have a high likelihood of triggering mania or hypomania.

How long does hypomania last?

A hypomanic episode is an emotional state characterized by a distinct period of persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood, lasting throughout at least four consecutive days, according to the American Psychiatric Association ¹. These highs don’t last as long. While they are officially diagnosed after a four day duration, research has shown that they may only last a few hours to a few days.

Hypomania triggers

Triggers and symptoms are unique to each person, so pinpointing and learning what applies to you can be difficult. But, this work is beneficial as it will help you before or during an episode.

Common triggers include:

• Drinking alcohol or abusing illegal drugs. While substance abuse doesn’t cause bipolar disorder, it can bring on an episode and worsen the course of the disease. Drugs such as cocaine, ecstasy, and amphetamines can trigger mania, while alcohol and tranquilizers can trigger depression.
• Staying up all night and skipping sleep
• Caffeine
• Going off your regular diet and/or exercise program
• Stopping or skipping your medications
• Skipping medical appointments
• Certain medications, most notably antidepressant drugs, can trigger mania. Other drugs that can cause mania include over-the-counter cold medicine, appetite suppressants, caffeine, corticosteroids, and thyroid medication
• Stressful life events can trigger bipolar disorder in someone with a genetic vulnerability. These events tend to involve drastic or sudden changes—either good or bad—such as getting married, going away to college, losing a loved one, getting fired, or moving.

Often those around you are first to notice changes in behavior. If you think your behavior is becoming erratic, ask a trusted person if they have noticed any changes or warning signs.

Use this support network to your advantage. An external point of view can be extremely helpful in identifying warning signs. If they express concern, seek help.

Warning signs of mania and hypomania include:

• Extreme energy, restlessness, anger, impatience or irritability
• Overly good mood, inflated self-esteem, or grandiosity
• Fast, erratic talking and racing thoughts
• Inability to concentrate
• Decreased need for sleep
• Poor judgment
• Reckless spending
• High sex drive
• Alcohol or drug abuse.

If you’ve been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, some strategies can help prevent minor symptoms from becoming full-blown episodes of mania or depression:

• Pay attention to warning signs. Addressing symptoms early on can prevent episodes from getting worse. You may have identified a pattern to your bipolar episodes and what triggers them. Call your doctor if you feel you’re falling into an episode of depression or mania. Involve family members or friends in watching for warning signs.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol. Using alcohol or recreational drugs can worsen your symptoms and make them more likely to come back.
• Take your medications exactly as directed. You may be tempted to stop treatment — but don’t. Stopping your medication or reducing your dose on your own may cause withdrawal effects or your symptoms may worsen or return.

What is bipolar disorder

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic-depressive illness, is a brain disorder that causes unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.

There are four basic types of bipolar disorder; all of them involve clear changes in mood, energy, and activity levels. These moods range from periods of extremely “up,” elated, and energized behavior (known as manic episodes) to very sad, “down,” or hopeless periods (known as depressive episodes). Less severe manic periods are known as hypomanic episodes.

• Bipolar 1 Disorder— defined by manic episodes that last at least 7 days, or by manic symptoms that are so severe that the person needs immediate hospital care. Usually, depressive episodes occur as well, typically lasting at least 2 weeks. Episodes of depression with mixed features (having depression and manic symptoms at the same time) are also possible. Bipolar 1 disorder is the more severe disorder, in the sense that individuals are more likely to experience ‘mania’, have longer ‘highs’ and to have psychotic episodes and be more likely to be hospitalized. Mania refers to a severely high mood where the individual often experiences delusions and/or hallucinations. The severe highs which are referred to as ‘mania’ tend to last days or weeks.
• Bipolar 2 Disorder— defined by a pattern of depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes, but not the full-blown manic episodes described above. Bipolar 2 disorder is defined as being less severe, in that there are no psychotic features and episodes tend to last only hours to a few days; a person experiences less severe highs which are referred to as ‘hypomania’ and depression but no manic episodes and the severity of the highs does not usually lead to hospitalization.
• Cyclothymic Disorder (also called cyclothymia)— defined by numerous periods of hypomanic symptoms as well numerous periods of depressive symptoms lasting for at least 2 years (1 year in children and adolescents). However, the symptoms do not meet the diagnostic requirements for a hypomanic episode and a depressive episode.
• Other Specified and Unspecified Bipolar and Related Disorders— defined by bipolar disorder symptoms that do not match the three categories listed above.

People with bipolar disorder experience periods of unusually intense emotion, changes in sleep patterns and activity levels, and unusual behaviors. These distinct periods are called “mood episodes.” Mood episodes are drastically different from the moods and behaviors that are typical for the person. Extreme changes in energy, activity, and sleep go along with mood episodes.

Sometimes a mood episode includes symptoms of both manic and depressive symptoms. This is called an episode with mixed features. People experiencing an episode with mixed features may feel very sad, empty, or hopeless, while at the same time feeling extremely energized.

Bipolar disorder can be present even when mood swings are less extreme. For example, some people with bipolar disorder experience hypomania, a less severe form of mania. During a hypomanic episode, an individual may feel very good, be highly productive, and function well. The person may not feel that anything is wrong, but family and friends may recognize the mood swings and/or changes in activity levels as possible bipolar disorder. Without proper treatment, people with hypomania may develop severe mania or depression.

Both women and men develop bipolar 1 disorder at equal rates, while the rate of bipolar 2 disorder is somewhat higher in females.

Bipolar disorder complications

Left untreated, bipolar disorder can result in serious problems that affect every area of your life, such as:

• Problems related to drug and alcohol use
• Suicide or suicide attempts
• Legal or financial problems
• Damaged relationships
• Poor work or school performance

Co-occurring conditions:

If you have bipolar disorder, you may also have another health condition that needs to be treated along with bipolar disorder. Some conditions can worsen bipolar disorder symptoms or make treatment less successful. Examples include:

• Anxiety disorders
• Eating disorders
• Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Alcohol or drug problems
• Physical health problems, such as heart disease, thyroid problems, headaches or obesity

Bipolar disorder treatment plan

An effective treatment plan for bipolar disorder usually includes a combination of medication and psychotherapy (also called “talk therapy”). Bipolar disorder is a lifelong illness. Episodes of mania and depression typically come back over time. Between episodes, many people with bipolar disorder are free of mood changes, but some people may have lingering symptoms. Long-term, continuous treatment helps to control these symptoms.

Medications

Different types of medications can help control symptoms of bipolar disorder. An individual may need to try several different medications before finding ones that work best.

Medications generally used to treat bipolar disorder include:

• Mood stabilizers
• Atypical antipsychotics
• Antidepressants

Psychotherapy

When done in combination with medication, psychotherapy (also called “talk therapy”) can be an effective treatment for bipolar disorder. It can provide support, education, and guidance to people with bipolar disorder and their families. Some psychotherapy treatments used to treat bipolar disorder include:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Family-focused therapy
• Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy
• Psychoeducation

Other treatment options

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): ECT can provide relief for people with severe bipolar disorder who have not been able to recover with other treatments. Sometimes ECT is used for bipolar symptoms when other medical conditions, including pregnancy, make taking medications too risky. ECT may cause some short-term side effects, including confusion, disorientation, and memory loss. People with bipolar disorder should discuss possible benefits and risks of ECT with a qualified health professional.

Sleep Medications: People with bipolar disorder who have trouble sleeping usually find that treatment is helpful. However, if sleeplessness does not improve, a doctor may suggest a change in medications. If the problem continues, the doctor may prescribe sedatives or other sleep medications.

Hypomania signs and symptoms

The diagnosis tool that medical professionals use for diagnosing mental health is called the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM 5). Here is what the latest edition, the DSM-5, has to say about a hypomanic episode ²:

• A) A distinct period of abnormally and persistently elevated, expansive, or irritable mood and abnormally and persistently increased activity or energy, lasting at least 4 consecutive days and present most of the day, nearly every day.
• B) During the period of mood disturbance and increased energy and activity, three (or more) of the following symptoms (four if the mood is only irritable) have persisted, represent a noticeable change from usual behavior, and have been present to a significant degree:
  1. Inflated self-esteem or grandiosity.
  2. Decreased need for sleep (e.g., feels rested after only 3 hours of sleep).
  3. More talkative than usual or pressure to keep talking.
  4. Flight of ideas or subjective experience that thoughts are racing.
  5. Distractibility (i.e., attention too easily drawn to unimportant or irrelevant external stimuli), as reported or observed.
  6. Increase in goal-directed activity (either socially, at work or school, or sexually) or psychomotor agitation.
  7. Excessive involvement in activities that have a high potential for painful consequences (e.g., engaging in unrestrained buying sprees, sexual indiscretions, or foolish business investments).
• C) The episode is associated with an unequivocal change in functioning that is uncharacteristic of the individual when not symptomatic.
• D) The disturbance in mood and the change in functioning are observable by others.
• E) The episode is not severe enough to cause marked impairment in social or occupational functioning or to necessitate hospitalization. If there are psychotic features, the episode is, by definition, manic.
• F) The episode is not attributable to the physiological effects of a substance (e. g . , a drug
  of abuse, a medication or other treatment) .

There are some stipulations that go along with diagnosing these symptoms as a hypomanic episode. For example, behavior has to be outside the norm. If you are a generally talkative and hyperactive person, you may not be hypomanic. It has to be a distinct period of uncharacteristic behavior that doesn’t exist between episodes. The behavior also has to be noticeable to others, even if they don’t call you out on it. Finally, the symptoms can’t be due to substance use. This includes alcohol, medication, recreational drugs, etc., though these substances can induce hypomania.

Hypomania vs Mania

Mania and hypomania are two distinct types of episodes, but they have the same symptoms. Hypomania is a less severe form of mania. The symptoms of hypomania are similar to those of mania — elevated mood, inflated self-esteem, decreased need for sleep, etc. — except that they don’t significantly impact a person’s daily function and never include any psychotic symptoms.

Mania is more severe than hypomania and causes more noticeable problems at work, school and social activities, as well as relationship difficulties. Mania may also trigger a break from reality (psychosis) and require hospitalization.

There are a few differences between mania and hypomania:

• In hypomania, the mood swing is not long. It lasts at least four days, but not much more. If the symptoms persist for more than a week, a medical professional may start to consider whether or not it’s actually a manic episode.
• Hypomanic episodes do not cause drastic impairment socially, at work, at school or otherwise. If there is drastic impairment in these areas, it’s considered mania. Whether it’s drastic or not is a little subjective, but it’s one of those instances of you know it when you see it.
• They do not require hospitalization. If you are hospitalized, it automatically becomes a manic episode.
• Manic episodes may include psychotic symptoms. Mania refers to a severely high mood where the individual often experiences delusions and/or hallucinations. The severe highs which are referred to as ‘mania’ tend to last days or weeks. Hypomanic episodes do not.

Similar to mania, you can still experience euphoria and hyperactivity with hypomania. Some people say that they actually enjoy it. For them, you get some of the perks of mania, like higher energy, without fully losing control. For others, it’s not as great, bringing with it feelings of increased anxiety and dysphoria along with the extra energy. Those with bipolar 2 only experience hypomania. They do not experience mania. However, people with bipolar 1 can have periods of hypomania in addition to manic episodes.

It is possible for someone with bipolar 2 to develop bipolar 1. So, if you notice changes in your behavior or usual symptoms, contact your doctor. You may need a new diagnosis and/or a change in treatment.

People having a manic episode may:

• Feel very “up,” “high,” or elated
• Have a lot of energy
• Have increased activity levels
• Feel “jumpy” or “wired”
• Have trouble sleeping
• Become more active than usual
• Talk really fast about a lot of different things
• Be agitated, irritable, or “touchy”
• Feel like their thoughts are going very fast
• Think they can do a lot of things at once
• Do risky things, like spend a lot of money or have reckless sex

Both a manic and a hypomanic episode include three or more of these symptoms:

• Abnormally upbeat, jumpy or wired
• Increased activity, energy or agitation
• Exaggerated sense of well-being and self-confidence (euphoria)
• Decreased need for sleep
• Unusual talkativeness
• Racing thoughts
• Distractibility
• Poor decision-making — for example, going on buying sprees, taking sexual risks or making foolish investments

Hypomania treatment

Treatment is best guided by a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions (psychiatrist) who is skilled in treating bipolar and related disorders. You may have a treatment team that also includes a psychologist, social worker and psychiatric nurse.

Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition. Treatment is directed at managing symptoms. Depending on your needs, treatment may include:

• Medications. Often, you’ll need to start taking medications to balance your moods right away.
• Continued treatment. Bipolar disorder requires lifelong treatment with medications, even during periods when you feel better. People who skip maintenance treatment are at high risk of a relapse of symptoms or having minor mood changes turn into full-blown mania or depression.
• Day treatment programs. Your doctor may recommend a day treatment program. These programs provide the support and counseling you need while you get symptoms under control.
• Substance abuse treatment. If you have problems with alcohol or drugs, you’ll also need substance abuse treatment. Otherwise, it can be very difficult to manage bipolar disorder.
• Hospitalization. Your doctor may recommend hospitalization if you’re behaving dangerously, you feel suicidal or you become detached from reality (psychotic). Getting psychiatric treatment at a hospital can help keep you calm and safe and stabilize your mood, whether you’re having a manic or major depressive episode.

The primary treatments for bipolar disorder include medications and psychological counseling (psychotherapy) to control symptoms, and also may include education and support groups.

Medications

A number of medications are used to treat bipolar disorder. The types and doses of medications prescribed are based on your particular symptoms.

Medications may include:

• Mood stabilizers. You’ll typically need mood-stabilizing medication to control manic or hypomanic episodes. Examples of mood stabilizers include lithium (Lithobid), valproic acid (Depakene), divalproex sodium (Depakote), carbamazepine (Tegretol, Equetro, others) and lamotrigine (Lamictal).
• Antipsychotics. If symptoms of depression or mania persist in spite of treatment with other medications, adding an antipsychotic drug such as olanzapine (Zyprexa), risperidone (Risperdal), quetiapine (Seroquel), aripiprazole (Abilify), ziprasidone (Geodon), lurasidone (Latuda) or asenapine (Saphris) may help. Your doctor may prescribe some of these medications alone or along with a mood stabilizer.
• Antidepressants. Your doctor may add an antidepressant to help manage depression. Because an antidepressant can sometimes trigger a manic episode, it’s usually prescribed along with a mood stabilizer or antipsychotic.
• Antidepressant-antipsychotic. The medication Symbyax combines the antidepressant fluoxetine and the antipsychotic olanzapine. It works as a depression treatment and a mood stabilizer.
• Anti-anxiety medications. Benzodiazepines may help with anxiety and improve sleep, but are usually used on a short-term basis.

Finding the right medication

Finding the right medication or medications for you will likely take some trial and error. If one doesn’t work well for you, there are several others to try.

This process requires patience, as some medications need weeks to months to take full effect. Generally only one medication is changed at a time so that your doctor can identify which medications work to relieve your symptoms with the least bothersome side effects. Medications also may need to be adjusted as your symptoms change.

Side effects

Mild side effects often improve as you find the right medications and doses that work for you, and your body adjusts to the medications. Talk to your doctor or mental health professional if you have bothersome side effects.

Don’t make changes or stop taking your medications. If you stop your medication, you may experience withdrawal effects or your symptoms may worsen or return. You may become very depressed, feel suicidal, or go into a manic or hypomanic episode. If you think you need to make a change, call your doctor.

Medications and pregnancy

A number of medications for bipolar disorder can be associated with birth defects and can pass through breast milk to your baby. Certain medications, such as valproic acid and divalproex sodium, should not be used during pregnancy. Also, birth control medications may lose effectiveness when taken along with certain bipolar disorder medications.

Discuss treatment options with your doctor before you become pregnant, if possible. If you’re taking medication to treat your bipolar disorder and think you may be pregnant, talk to your doctor right away.

Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy is a vital part of bipolar disorder treatment and can be provided in individual, family or group settings. Several types of therapy may be helpful. These include:

• Interpersonal and social rhythm therapy focuses on the stabilization of daily rhythms, such as sleeping, waking and mealtimes. A consistent routine allows for better mood management. People with bipolar disorder may benefit from establishing a daily routine for sleep, diet and exercise.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). The focus is identifying unhealthy, negative beliefs and behaviors and replacing them with healthy, positive ones. CBT can help identify what triggers your bipolar episodes. You also learn effective strategies to manage stress and to cope with upsetting situations.
• Psychoeducation. Learning about bipolar disorder (psychoeducation) can help you and your loved ones understand the condition. Knowing what’s going on can help you get the best support, identify issues, make a plan to prevent relapse and stick with treatment.
• Family-focused therapy. Family support and communication can help you stick with your treatment plan and help you and your loved ones recognize and manage warning signs of mood swings.

Other treatment options

Depending on your needs, other treatments may be added to your depression therapy.

During electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), electrical currents are passed through the brain, intentionally triggering a brief seizure. ECT seems to cause changes in brain chemistry that can reverse symptoms of certain mental illnesses. Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be an option for bipolar treatment if you don’t get better with medications, can’t take antidepressants for health reasons such as pregnancy or are at high risk of suicide.

Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is being investigated as an option for those who haven’t responded to antidepressants.

Treatment in children and teenagers

Treatments for children and teenagers are generally decided on a case-by-case basis, depending on symptoms, medication side effects and other factors.

Generally, treatment includes:

• Medications. Children and teens with bipolar disorder are often prescribed the same types of medications as those used in adults. There’s less research on the safety and effectiveness of bipolar medications in children than in adults, so treatment decisions are often based on adult research.
• Psychotherapy. Initial and long-term therapy can help keep symptoms from returning. Psychotherapy can help children and teens manage their routines, develop coping skills, address learning difficulties, resolve social problems, and help strengthen family bonds and communication. And, if needed, it can help treat substance abuse problems common in older children and teens with bipolar disorder.
• Psychoeducation. Psychoeducation can include learning the symptoms of bipolar disorder and how they differ from behavior related to your child’s developmental age, the situation and appropriate cultural behavior. Understanding about bipolar disorder can also help you support your child.
• Support. Working with teachers and school counselors and encouraging support from family and friends can help identify services and encourage success.

Home remedies

You’ll probably need to make lifestyle changes to stop cycles of behavior that worsen your bipolar disorder. Here are some steps to take:

• Quit drinking or using recreational 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.
• Get moving. Exercise has a beneficial impact on mood and may reduce the number of bipolar episodes you experience. Aerobic exercise that activates arm and leg movement such as running, walking, swimming, dancing, climbing or drumming may be especially beneficial to your brain and nervous system.
• Keep stress in check. Avoid high-stress situations, maintain a healthy work-life balance, and try relaxation techniques such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.
• Seek support. It’s important to have people you can turn to for help and encouragement. Try joining a support group or talking to a trusted friend. Reaching out is not a sign of weakness and it won’t mean you’re a burden to others. In fact, most friends will be flattered that you trust them enough to confide in them, and it will only strengthen your relationship.
• Stay closely connected to friends and family. Nothing is as calming to the nervous system as face-to-face contact with caring supportive people who can just listen to you talk about what you’re experiencing.
• Form healthy relationships. Surround yourself with people who are a positive influence. Friends and family members can provide support and help you watch for warning signs of mood shifts.
• Create a healthy routine. Having a regular routine for sleeping, eating and physical activity can help balance your moods. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise program. Eat a healthy diet. If you take lithium, talk with your doctor about appropriate fluid and salt intake. If you have trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor or mental health professional about what you can do.
• Check first before taking other medications. Call the doctor who’s treating you for bipolar disorder before you take medications prescribed by another doctor or any over-the-counter supplements or medications. Sometimes other medications trigger episodes of depression or mania or may interfere with medications you’re taking for bipolar disorder.
• Consider keeping a mood chart. Keep track of your symptoms and watch for signs that your moods are swinging out of control so you can stop the problem before it starts. Keeping a record of your daily moods, treatments, sleep, activities and feelings may help identify triggers, effective treatment options and when treatment needs to be adjusted.

Alternative medicine

There isn’t much research on alternative or complementary medicine — sometimes called integrative medicine — and bipolar disorder. Most of the studies are on major depression, so it isn’t clear how these nontraditional approaches work for bipolar disorder.

If you choose to use alternative or complementary medicine in addition to your physician-recommended treatment, take some precautions first:

• Don’t stop taking your prescribed medications or skip therapy sessions. Alternative or complementary medicine is not a substitute for regular medical care when it comes to treating bipolar disorder.
• Be honest with your doctors and mental health professionals. Tell them exactly which alternative or complementary treatments you use or would like to try.
• Be aware of potential dangers. Alternative and complementary products aren’t regulated the way prescription drugs are. Just because it’s natural doesn’t mean it’s safe. Before using alternative or complementary medicine, talk to your doctor about the risks, including possible serious interactions with medications.

Coping and support

Coping with bipolar disorder can be challenging. Here are some strategies that can help:

• Learn about bipolar disorder. Education about your condition can empower you and motivate you to stick to your treatment plan and recognize mood changes. Help educate your family and friends about what you’re going through.
• Stay focused on your goals. Learning to manage bipolar disorder can take time. Stay motivated by keeping your goals in mind and reminding yourself that you can work to repair damaged relationships and other problems caused by your mood swings.
• Join a support group. Support groups for people with bipolar disorder can help you connect to others facing similar challenges and share experiences.
• Find healthy outlets. Explore healthy ways to channel your energy, such as hobbies, exercise and recreational activities.
• Learn ways to relax and manage stress. Yoga, tai chi, massage, meditation or other relaxation techniques can be helpful.

1. American Psychiatric Association, DSM-5 Task Force. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5. 5th ed. American Psychiatric Association: Arlington, VA; 2013.[↩][↩]
2. American Psychiatric Association, DSM-5 Task Force. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM-5. 5th ed. American Psychiatric Association: Arlington, VA; 2013. pages 787-788[↩]