Today, there is a great deal of research focusing on alternative or holistic forms of care that can be used as an adjunct or supplemental form of treatment. This research delves into the use of things like acupuncture, meditation, and yoga as a way to handle symptoms of mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder. So, is acupuncture for bipolar depression effective?
What is Bipolar Depression?
Bipolar disorder can present with severe depressive episodes, and for many people, those episodes are treated with medication. However, medication alone is often inadequate for coping with the variety of symptoms that manifest with chronic bipolar depression.
The symptoms associated with bipolar depression are the same as those associated with major depressive disorder. At present, there is no cure, and some people might experience depressive episodes exclusively, while others might experience a combination of depressive and hypomanic or manic episodes.
No matter the combination, these episodes can present with symptoms severe enough to disrupt daily life and cause significant problems in important areas of functioning like work or school. This is particularly problematic for people who have developed a resistance to current medications.
Acupuncture for Bipolar Depression: Studies
There are several studies investigating the applicability of acupuncture for bipolar depression. One such study found that individuals who participated in an acupuncture intervention saw decreased depression scores and improvements in physical symptoms with no negative interactions with prescribed medication. In these situations, no changes were made to prescribed medication, but acupuncture led to improved quality of life and symptom management.
Other randomized trials reviewed the efficacy of adjunctive acupuncture for bipolar depression over the span of 12 weeks. Symptoms found that all patients had improvement over the span of the study with very few negative side effects and no negative interactions with any other medication or treatment. These studies confirmed the safety and acceptability of acupuncture as a way to manage acute symptoms of bipolar depression.
Literature reviews assessed the efficacy of acupuncture for depression, finding that it was generally safe and well tolerated, acceptable as an augmented part of treatment for depression symptoms. While this particular literature review did not focus solely on bipolar depression, symptoms of bipolar depressive episodes and depression are the same.
In fact, other studies reviewed the efficacy of acupuncture for mood disorders, including major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder with depression, paying close attention to those who had treatment-resistant forms of both. The longitudinal study performed weekly acupuncture treatments for 12 weeks in addition to regular treatment. Findings revealed that physical symptoms improved for things like:
- Sleep problems
- Pain
- Gastrointestinal issues
Other improvements included:
- Significant improvement in neck pain and insomnia early on
- Significant decreases in depression and anxiety scores
While acupuncture did not necessarily improve all psychiatric symptoms of bipolar depression, it was efficacious enough to alleviate some of the majority of symptoms experienced by patients. This has a great deal of promise for individuals with treatment-resistant forms of bipolar depression who are looking for holistic ways to manage a few, if not a majority, of their symptoms.
Starting Acupuncture for Bipolar Depression
There are many forms of treatment out there for bipolar depression episodes. At The Differents, we specialize in flexible outpatient programs that allow clients to see the benefits of their treatment in real time, returning home each night to apply the techniques and tools learned during the day.
We offer a wide range of evidence-based practices including:
- IV infusions
- Recreational therapy
- Massage
- Acupuncture
- Meditation
- Energy work
With our acupuncture and chiropractic practices, clients who struggle with bipolar depression can find alternative holistic therapies at our luxury drug rehab facility. We work hard to reimagine the rehab process so that individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance abuse disorders can find a holistic program that is most supportive, one that cultivates creativity, and feels as though they are working with staff who not only understand and genuinely care about your recovery.
Studies have found that holistic alternatives can prove useful in treating mental health conditions. One of those is acupuncture for bipolar depression. If you want to explore alternative options that can be used in conjunction with individual and group therapy, we are here.
Contact The Differents today at (844) 407-0461 to see how our facility can help you.
