Talk with a doctor before taking this supplement. This antioxidant helps reduce oxidative stress. Additionally, a review of the literature reported that in one randomized controlled trial of people with bipolar disorder, adding 2, to 2, milligrams mg of N-acetylcysteine per day to traditional medication for mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, led to significant improvement in depression, mania, and quality of life.

This water-soluble vitamin may be effective for symptoms of mania in people with bipolar disorder. A review of older studies suggests that choline supplements in addition to other treatments may improve symptoms of mania. Inositol is a synthetic vitamin that may help with mood disorders, particularly in people using lithium therapy.

A review of research suggests that a dosage of up to 6 grams per day of inositols may reduce the side effects of lithium therapy without affecting its positive role on mood.

Though people commonly use this herb to treat depression, the effectiveness of St. One problem seems to be that the forms and dosages of St. However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NCCIH notes that it may increase psychotic episodes in people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

It can also weaken the effectiveness of certain medications. Stress can complicate bipolar disorder. Several alternative therapies aim to reduce anxiety and stress in addition to doctor-prescribed treatment. These therapies can include:. Calming techniques cannot cure bipolar disorder.

But they may help you manage your symptoms as a valuable part of your treatment plan. Erratic patterns and sleep deprivation may worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder. IPSRT is a type of psychotherapy. It aims to help people with bipolar disorder to:. IPSRT, in addition to prescribed medications for bipolar disorder, may help to reduce the number of manic and depressive episodes you have.

These can include:. Adequate sleep can help stabilize your mood and reduce irritability. Tips to improve sleep can include:. Including fish and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet is good. However, consider reducing your intake of saturated and trans fats, which may cause brain chemical imbalances.

Research indicates that alternative treatments may be helpful for bipolar disorder when they are used with traditional treatments. However, very little research about these treatments has been done. Always talk with a doctor before starting an alternative treatment.

Certain supplements may cause side effects with any medications you may be taking or may affect other conditions that you have. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

VIEW ALL HISTORY. A new study shows women with perinatal depression are associated with a greater risk of dying by suicide, particularly during the first year of their….

A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Medically reviewed by Alexandra Perez, PharmD, MBA, BCGP — By Heather Hobbs — Updated on March 14, On this page Fish oil Rhodiola rosea S-adenosylmethione N-acetylcysteine Choline Inositol St.

Fish oil. Thyroid and kidney function can be affected by lithium in some people and must be monitored regularly by your doctor. Signs of lithium overdose: Lithium blood levels can increase to dangerous levels when a person becomes severely dehydrated.

Severe vomiting, diarrhea or a fever can also cause dehydration. If you have these symptoms, stop taking lithium and see your doctor as soon as possible. Changing the amount of salt you use can also affect lithium levels: avoid switching to low- or no-salt diets.

Signs that the amount of lithium in the body is higher than it should be include severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, shaking and twitching, loss of balance, slurred speech, double vision and weakness.

If you experience any of these effects, see your doctor as soon as possible. In the meantime, stop taking lithium and drink plenty of fluids. If you cannot reach your doctor and the symptoms do not clear up, go to the nearest hospital emergency department.

The differing names for this anticonvulsant medication reflect the various ways it is formulated. Divalproex and its various forms is used for acute manic episodes.

Brand names include Depakene and Epival. Common side-effects of divalproex include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and blurred vision. Less common side-effects are vomiting or mild cramps, muscle tremor, mild hair loss, weight gain, bruising or bleeding, liver problems and, for women, changes in the menstrual cycle.

Carbamazepine Tegretol is another anticonvulsant. It is used for mania and mixed states that do not respond to lithium or when the person is irritable or aggressive. Common side-effects of carbamazepine include dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, confusion, muscle tremor, nausea, vomiting or mild cramps, increased sensitivity to sun, skin sensitivity and rashes, and poor co-ordination.

A rare but dangerous side-effect of carbamazepine is reduced blood cell counts. People who take this drug should have their blood monitored regularly for this effect. Soreness of the mouth, gums or throat, mouth ulcers or sores, and fever or flu-like symptoms can be a sign of this effect and should be reported immediately to your doctor.

If carbamazepine is the cause of these symptoms, they will go away when the medication is stopped. Oxcarbazepine Trileptal , a closely related drug, may have less side-effects and drug interactions than carbamazepine, but is not as well studied for bipolar disorder. Lamotrigine Lamictal may be the most effective mood stabilizer for depression in bipolar disorder, but is not as helpful for mania.

The starting dose of lamotrigine should be very low and increased very slowly over four weeks or more. This approach decreases the risk of a severe rash—a potentially dangerous side-effect of this drug. Common side-effects of lamotrigine include fever, dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, nausea, vomiting or mild cramps, headache and skin rash.

Although it is rare, a severe skin rash can occur with lamotrigine. Any rashes that begin in the first few weeks of treatment should be reported to your doctor. Brand names available in Canada appear here in brackets. When you start taking mood stabilizers, it may be two weeks or more before you notice their effect and four to six weeks before they reach their full effect.

Once your symptoms are under control, you will be encouraged to continue to take mood stabilizers for at least six months and probably longer. How much longer varies from person to person.

Mood stabilizers can help prevent further episodes of mania or depression. In other words, staying on these medications for the long term can help to keep you well. Going off mood stabilizers, on the other hand, can greatly increase your chances of having another episode.

Talk to your doctor if you would like to try this. Drugs that are addictive produce a feeling of euphoria, a strong desire to continue using the drug, and a need to increase the amount used to achieve the same effect.

Mood stabilizers do not have these effects. While mood stabilizers are not addictive, when you take them or any drug over months or years, your body adjusts to the presence of the drug.

If you then stop using the drug, especially if you stop suddenly, the absence of the drug may result in withdrawal effects or in return of symptoms. With mood stabilizers, the withdrawal effects are generally mild; the greatest risk with stopping these drugs is the return of symptoms.

Whether you want to cut down your dose or stop taking a medication, the same rule applies: go slowly. Sudden changes in your dose can greatly increase your risk of having another mood episode. The first step is to ask yourself if this is the right time.

Are you feeling well? Is the level of stress in your life manageable? Do you feel supported by your family and friends? If you are not satisfied with his or her reasons, you may want to see another doctor for a second opinion.

If your doctor does agree, he or she will advise you not to skip doses but to reduce your dose gradually over a four to six week period. This process of cutting back will take several months. If you want to stop taking more than one medication, your doctor will usually suggest that you lower the dose of one drug at a time.

As you cut down, if you start to feel unwell, let your doctor know. You may want to go back up with your dose. Find the dose that works best for you. Some medications can affect the blood levels of mood stabilizers, meaning your dose of mood stabilizer may have to be adjusted while you are taking the other medication.

Mood stabilizers, especially carbamazepine, may also reduce the effectiveness of some other drugs. Always make sure your doctor or dentist knows about any drugs you are taking when he or she prescribes another medication.

Drinking coffee or other beverages that contain caffeine can lower lithium levels and increase tremor. If you want to dramatically change how much caffeine you have in a day e.

People with bipolar disorder are generally advised to avoid alcohol. This is recommended because:. While avoiding alcohol is the best choice for many people with bipolar disorder, having a drink or two on occasion should be okay for those who are stable, feeling well and who have not had a substance use problem.

Street drugs can complicate your situation and create problems. Cocaine and amphetamines, for example, can trigger an episode of mania or depression. Marijuana could lift you up or it could bring you down; its effects on mood can be unpredictable, especially when combined with bipolar disorder.

Using any street drugs or alcohol regularly to modify your mood increases your risk of addiction. Mood stabilizers, especially early in treatment, may delay your reaction time. This effect could impair your ability to drive a car or operate other machinery.

Avoid these activities until you adjust to the medication or if you feel slowed down. Taking lithium may reduce your interest in sex. This can be a good thing for some people and not so good for others. If you feel your interest in sex is too low, talk to your doctor about it.

Sometimes an adjustment in dose can help. Although not common, some men who take lithium report a decreased ability to maintain an erection or to ejaculate. With bipolar disorder, many complex factors other than medication may contribute to sexual difficulties.

In women, mood stabilizers may cause changes in the menstrual cycle. Carbamazepine and other anticonvulsants may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. For any pregnant woman with a history of bipolar disorder, the question of taking mood stabilizers during pregnancy usually comes down to a risk-benefit analysis.

When treatment with a mood stabilizer helps to avoid a relapse or to reduce distress, the benefits may outweigh the risks. Taking lithium during the first trimester in pregnancy is believed to slightly increase the risk of a heart defect in the baby.

This risk has been shown to be. Newborns must be monitored for possible toxic effects of lithium; these effects usually resolve within one to two weeks. Divalproex increases the risk of spinal defects in the developing baby by approximately five to nine per cent.

Divalproex is also related to developmental delays and cognitive problems in children. Carbamazepine increases the risk of spinal defects by approximately one per cent. Lamotrigine is associated with a potential increased risk for cleft palate. Lithium can be passed to the baby through breast milk; however, the amount varies greatly from woman to woman.

The amount of anticonvulsant mood stabilizers passed through breast milk is very small and is not considered to be a risk to the baby, especially when weighed against the benefits of breastfeeding.

If you decide to stop taking medications during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, it is a good idea to see your doctor more often to help you monitor for a return of symptoms. The first signs of bipolar disorder can appear in childhood, usually as depression or behaviour problems.

Early substance use problems or petty crime can also be signs. Mood stabilizers were developed and tested on adults. While most of these drugs are not officially approved for use by children and teens, professional guidelines direct their use in this age group.

Lithium is approved for treating manic symptoms in children aged 12 and older. Children and teens may be more prone to the side-effects of these drugs and should be monitored by their doctor regularly for side-effects. As people age into their 60s and older, their bodies become less able to eliminate medications.

This means that older people who take mood stabilizers need to have the drug levels in their blood measured more often than younger people. Those taking lithium also need to have their kidney and thyroid function and heart rate monitored more frequently. As people get older, they also become more sensitive to medications and may require a lower dose.

Mood stabilizers can increase the risk of falls, especially when taken with other drugs.

One study looked at the effects of taking a standardized extract of ashwagandha on cognition in bipolar disorder. A total of 53 participants took milligrams per day of ashwagandha for an 8-week period, adding the supplement to their usual maintenance medications.

The researchers suggest that ashwagandha may help improve auditory-verbal memory, reaction time, and social cognition. It also appears to have a solid safety profile with few potential side effects. Many people with bipolar disorder experience anxiety and insomnia between mood episodes and even after their primary symptoms are under control.

Valerian is a medicinal herb that people have used as far back as Ancient Greece and Rome. Research suggests that valerian may be able to help with these symptoms, as the herb appears to act on GABA receptors in the brain to reduce anxiety and insomnia.

Lemon balm Melissa officinalis is a lemon-scented nervine in the mint family. It may also address symptoms related to anxiety, memory, and insomnia, which may occur between episodes.

People have used lemon balm for centuries in traditional medicine as a mood enhancer, an astringent, and a fix for nervous headaches, among many other uses. Research indicates that lemon balm may enhance memory and well-being in some people.

One report showed that a single dose of the herb improved memory function and created a feeling of calmness in healthy participants. When combined with valerian, lemon balm was also shown to reduce test-induced anxiety. Overall, researchers suggest that lemon balm may have potential to treat mild anxiety and insomnia in people with bipolar disorder.

Rhodiola rosea , or golden root, is an adaptogenic herb that people have used for millennia to relieve depression , fatigue, and stress. Still, other experts suggest that the herb may be helpful for those taking mood stabilizers and who mostly experience depression with only occasional hypomanic symptoms.

Rhodiola is not recommended for people taking antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors because it can cause serotonin syndrome.

This is a cluster of side effects you can experience if high levels of serotonin build up in your body. Passionflower Passiflora incarnata is another ancient nervine that people have long used to treat anxiety, insomnia, menstruation issues, and burns.

Passionflower may act on GABA receptors in the brain and is considered an effective stress reducer. Research suggests that passionflower may help people with chronic insomnia and memory problems. The herb also shows positive effects when people take it during episodes of anxiety, restlessness, sleeplessness, and depression.

Overall, researchers suggest that passionflower may have the potential to alleviate certain psychiatric symptoms, including stress reactivity, insomnia, and anxiety.

American skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora is another nervine that can help relieve stress and tension. This herb affects your mood by acting on GABA receptors in the brain. Similar to valerian and lemon balm, skullcap may help reduce feelings of anxiety and insomnia.

As a result, this supplement may not be safe or recommended for people with bipolar disorder. Talk with a doctor before taking this supplement. This antioxidant helps reduce oxidative stress. Additionally, a review of the literature reported that in one randomized controlled trial of people with bipolar disorder, adding 2, to 2, milligrams mg of N-acetylcysteine per day to traditional medication for mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, led to significant improvement in depression, mania, and quality of life.

This water-soluble vitamin may be effective for symptoms of mania in people with bipolar disorder. A review of older studies suggests that choline supplements in addition to other treatments may improve symptoms of mania.

Inositol is a synthetic vitamin that may help with mood disorders, particularly in people using lithium therapy. A review of research suggests that a dosage of up to 6 grams per day of inositols may reduce the side effects of lithium therapy without affecting its positive role on mood.

Though people commonly use this herb to treat depression, the effectiveness of St. One problem seems to be that the forms and dosages of St.

However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NCCIH notes that it may increase psychotic episodes in people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. It can also weaken the effectiveness of certain medications. Stress can complicate bipolar disorder.

Several alternative therapies aim to reduce anxiety and stress in addition to doctor-prescribed treatment. These therapies can include:. Calming techniques cannot cure bipolar disorder. But they may help you manage your symptoms as a valuable part of your treatment plan.

Erratic patterns and sleep deprivation may worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder. IPSRT is a type of psychotherapy.

It aims to help people with bipolar disorder to:. IPSRT, in addition to prescribed medications for bipolar disorder, may help to reduce the number of manic and depressive episodes you have.

These can include:. Adequate sleep can help stabilize your mood and reduce irritability. Tips to improve sleep can include:. Including fish and omega-3 fatty acids in your diet is good.

For some, a natural mood stabilizer is an activity or coping mechanism that helps them manage the symptoms of bipolar , such as exercise, meditation or talking therapy.

For others, natural mood stabilizers are taken in the form of herbal supplements, vitamins, and herbs, either alongside or in place of traditional medicine. The world of alternative medicine can be hard to navigate, and it's not always easy to know what works.

Let's look at some of the natural mood stabilizers for bipolar and examine their effectiveness. Do natural mood stabilizers even exist? The answer is yes, but whether they work is a matter of speculation.

As with all kinds of medication and treatment, what works for one person may not work for another. While some people rely on prescription mood stabilizers to keep bipolar symptoms under control, others find that the side-effects outweigh the benefits and decide to turn to complementary treatments.

Natural mood stabilizers unofficially used in the treatment of bipolar disorder include:. Lithium , for example, is technically a natural mood stabilizer because it is a mineral — not a manufactured drug.

It does, however, have many potential side-effects, including tremor, diarrhea and long-term damage to kidney function. To use another example, taking St. The National Institute of Health claims that while natural mood stabilizers may help lift symptoms of depression, there are no known complementary therapies for mania.

Therefore, taking natural mood stabilizers for bipolar is not generally recommended. While herbs and supplements may ease some of the symptoms of bipolar disorder and help to lift mood, there is little evidence that natural mood stabilizers are effective.

When combined with a proper treatment plan such as medication and therapy , natural remedies do have their place in the management of bipolar, but you should never substitute or stop taking a prescribed medication without consulting your doctor.

article references.

It also increases acceptance and compassion while reducing avoidance. Studies have shown that silent meditation and active relaxation meditation may help reduce stress and improve depression. Here are some possible benefits of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for people with bipolar disorder:.

Some people experience fatigue and even fear when they meditate. These side effects may happen because of an increase in awareness or thinking about distressing past experiences. Since nutrition plays a role in the way the body functions, what you eat can impact mental health symptoms.

Different foods can increase or decrease inflammation , which may affect stress, depression, and the body and mind overall. Decreasing your intake of processed foods and increasing your intake of fruits and vegetables may help decrease inflammation and improve bipolar disorder symptoms.

Your food choices may also give you a sense of control and help you cope with symptoms, which can make your overall treatment plan more effective. Talk with a healthcare professional before making any dietary changes or starting a new way of eating. Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin D are two nutrients that your body needs to thrive.

Fish oil supplements are a popular way to get omega-3s, and getting adequate sunlight exposure can help boost your vitamin D levels. Researchers are not sure why omega-3 and vitamin D improve bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder ADHD , schizophrenia , and impulsive behavior.

However, what is known is that omega-3 and vitamin D are needed for serotonin regulation, which affects brain function and may contribute to improved symptoms in mental health conditions. Many people in the United States do not get enough omega-3 and vitamin D, and many need to take supplements to have adequate levels of these important nutrients.

Low levels of vitamin D and omega-3 have been linked to mood disorders, including bipolar disorder. Some studies on vitamin D and omega-3 supplements have shown these nutrients may decrease symptoms like depression.

Potential side effects of omega-3 include abdominal discomfort, diarrhea , and a fishy aftertaste. Taking a too-high dose may increase the risk of bleeding.

Too much vitamin D can lead to calcium buildup in the blood. Keep in mind that supplements are not regulated by the FDA, so the strength, purity, and safety of products cannot be guaranteed. One study found that a vitamin D dose of 2, international units daily was effective for children and teens with bipolar disorder.

An omega-3 dose of 1 to 2 grams per day, including both EPA and DHA, is sometimes recommended for depression. Fish oil is a common supplement for omega-3s. The best natural mood stabilizer depends on your symptoms and needs. Everyone is different, and people respond differently to both prescription medications and natural treatments.

Your primary care provider or a psychiatrist can be a trusted source of information and recommendations. Natural mood stabilizers are nonprescription treatments for mood disorders such as bipolar disorder.

OTC vitamins and supplements, as well as lifestyle habits like nutrition, exercise, meditation, and mindfulness, are all examples of natural mood stabilizers. The research on natural mood stabilizers is limited. For some people, these options may work better if they're paired with prescription treatments like medication or therapy.

If you want to try using natural mood stabilizers for bipolar disorder, talk to your healthcare provider about whether they could be a safe and effective part of your treatment plan. American Psychological Association. Mood stabilizer. Singh B, Olds T, Curtis R, et al. Effectiveness of physical activity interventions for improving depression, anxiety and distress: an overview of systematic review s.

Br J Sports Med. Panossian AG. Adaptogens in mental and behavioral disorders. Psychiatr Clin N Am. Updated: Rodrigues Cordeiro C, Côrte-Real BR, Saraiva R, Frey BN, Kapczinski F, de Azevedo Cardoso T.

Triggers for acute mood episodes in bipolar disorder: A systematic review. J Psychiatr Res. Lex C, Bäzner E, Meyer TD. Does stress play a significant role in bipolar disorder? A meta-analysis.

J Affect Disord. Natural Medicine Journal. Siberian ginseng: A review of the literature. Thomson D, Turner A, Lauder S, et al. A brief review of exercise, bipolar disorder, and mechanistic pathways.

Front Psychol. Published Mar 4. Hearing CM, Chang WC, Szuhany KL, Deckersbach T, Nierenberg AA, Sylvia LG. Physical exercise for treatment of mood disorders: A critical review. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep. Schmidt C, Soler J, Carmona I Farrés C, et al. Mindfulness in borderline personality disorder: decentering mediates the effectiveness.

Lindahl JR, Fisher NE, Cooper DJ, Rosen RK, Britton WB. The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists.

PLOS ONE. Łojko D, Stelmach-Mardas M, Suwalska A. Is diet important in bipolar disorder? Psychiatr Pol. Patrick RP, Ames BN. Vitamin D and the omega-3 fatty acids control serotonin synthesis and action, part 2: relevance for ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior.

The FASEB Journal. Wani AL, Bhat SA, Ara A. Omega-3 fatty acids and the treatment of depression: a review of scientific evidence.

Integr Med Res. Harvard Medical School. Taking too much vitamin D can cloud its benefits and create health risks. Yes, there are products that have been billed as natural mood stabilizers for depression and anxiety.

However, whether they work as well as other types of mood stabilizers is questionable. Read on to learn more about the most common natural mood stabilizer options out there. It bears repeating that there are a variety of types of mood stabilizers available to help with mental health issues like depression and anxiety.

Most commonly, medication is prescribed. However, some people believe the following, more natural remedies can help. The official name of this herb is rhodiola rosea. A study published in Phytomedicine suggests that rhodiola may help lessen some of the symptoms of major depressive disorder.

This plant is sold as an herbal supplement in the United States. But in Europe it is used as a treatment for depression. In , a review of studies found that St. Then there is a study from that looked at St. Additionally, St. A review of scientific evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids might help with mild to moderate depression.

However, an additional report found that omega-3s used with antidepressants will actually have a better outcome. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in foods like salmon and nuts and seeds, but can also be found in supplement form.

This amino acid which stands for 5-hydroxytryptophan is something your body makes that can be turned into serotonin. More research is needed, but a review done in does suggest taking a 5-HTP supplement along with certain prescribed antidepressants can boost the effectiveness of those antidepressants.

Looking for a way to naturally boost or stabilize your mood? Exercise is an excellent way to aid your mental health.

Regular exercise can help ease anxiety. Another thing that can help is meditation. A study done in points to 20 minutes of mindful meditation lowering overall brain activity — which in turn, lowers anxiety. In a review of 47 randomized clinical trials it was concluded that meditation assists people in navigating stress and anxiety.

Finally, consider cutting back on your coffee habit. Drinking too much caffeine can worsen anxiety symptoms. You might also even consider exploring other supplements, such as chaga mushroom benefits.

While there is some research that suggests various natural methods can help, more research really needs to be done. Below, other treatments for depression and anxiety that can help stabilize your mood.

It is thought that low levels of certain neurotransmitters in your brain like serotonin and dopamine are what cause depression. Antidepressants can balance those neurotransmitters.

Just know that they take four to eight weeks to work once you begin taking them. There are a number of different types of antidepressants. They include :. SSRIs and SNRIs are also used to treat anxiety. Another medication used is benzodiazepines.

It boosts a neurotransmitter called GABA , which controls brain activity and contributes to feeling calm. Benzodiazepines work fast. In CBT you will partner with a therapist to figure out what life issues are related to your depression or anxiety.

Maybe there are patterns that make your depression and anxiety worse. Your therapist will then guide you to figure out how you can change those things.

People with depression or anxiety often find the two work best together. Depression and anxiety can be frustrating to deal with because they affect your mood. While there is some evidence that these things can help, a lot more research needs to be done.

Regardless of what you choose to do, you should always run it by a healthcare professional. Plus, you may not tolerate certain supplements well. Before trying a natural mood stabilizer to lessen anxiety or depression symptoms, reach out to a health care provider for a depression treatment online.

We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

J Psychiatr Res. Lex C, Bäzner E, Meyer TD. Does stress play a significant role in bipolar disorder? A meta-analysis. J Affect Disord. Natural Medicine Journal. Siberian ginseng: A review of the literature. Thomson D, Turner A, Lauder S, et al.

A brief review of exercise, bipolar disorder, and mechanistic pathways. Front Psychol. Published Mar 4. Hearing CM, Chang WC, Szuhany KL, Deckersbach T, Nierenberg AA, Sylvia LG. Physical exercise for treatment of mood disorders: A critical review. Curr Behav Neurosci Rep. Schmidt C, Soler J, Carmona I Farrés C, et al.

Mindfulness in borderline personality disorder: decentering mediates the effectiveness. Lindahl JR, Fisher NE, Cooper DJ, Rosen RK, Britton WB. The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists.

PLOS ONE. Łojko D, Stelmach-Mardas M, Suwalska A. Is diet important in bipolar disorder? Psychiatr Pol. Patrick RP, Ames BN. Vitamin D and the omega-3 fatty acids control serotonin synthesis and action, part 2: relevance for ADHD, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and impulsive behavior. The FASEB Journal.

Wani AL, Bhat SA, Ara A. Omega-3 fatty acids and the treatment of depression: a review of scientific evidence. Integr Med Res. Harvard Medical School. Taking too much vitamin D can cloud its benefits and create health risks.

Sikoglu EM, Navarro AAL, Starr D, et al. Vitamin d3 supplemental treatment for mania in youth with bipolar spectrum disorders.

J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol. By Ashley Olivine, Ph. Ashley Olivine is a health psychologist and public health professional with over a decade of experience serving clients in the clinical setting and private practice.

She has also researched a wide variety psychology and public health topics such as the management of health risk factors, chronic illness, maternal and child wellbeing, and child development. Use limited data to select advertising.

Create profiles for personalised advertising. Use profiles to select personalised advertising. Create profiles to personalise content. Use profiles to select personalised content.

Measure advertising performance. Measure content performance. Understand audiences through statistics or combinations of data from different sources.

Develop and improve services. Use limited data to select content. List of Partners vendors. Mental Health. rosea , especially if you are taking other medications for mood disorders, as it can cause drug interactions.

Some people believe that the supplement form of a substance that naturally occurs in the body, S -adenosylmethionine, may be beneficial for depression. This amino acid supplement may also be effective for bipolar disorder under the supervision of a healthcare professional. But some dosages of these supplements can cause serious side effects, such as triggering manic episodes.

S-adenosylmethionine may also interact with medications you may be taking. As a result, this supplement may not be safe or recommended for people with bipolar disorder.

Talk with a doctor before taking this supplement. This antioxidant helps reduce oxidative stress. Additionally, a review of the literature reported that in one randomized controlled trial of people with bipolar disorder, adding 2, to 2, milligrams mg of N-acetylcysteine per day to traditional medication for mood disorders, including bipolar disorder, led to significant improvement in depression, mania, and quality of life.

This water-soluble vitamin may be effective for symptoms of mania in people with bipolar disorder. A review of older studies suggests that choline supplements in addition to other treatments may improve symptoms of mania.

Inositol is a synthetic vitamin that may help with mood disorders, particularly in people using lithium therapy. A review of research suggests that a dosage of up to 6 grams per day of inositols may reduce the side effects of lithium therapy without affecting its positive role on mood.

Though people commonly use this herb to treat depression, the effectiveness of St. One problem seems to be that the forms and dosages of St. However, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health NCCIH notes that it may increase psychotic episodes in people with bipolar disorder or schizophrenia.

It can also weaken the effectiveness of certain medications. Stress can complicate bipolar disorder. Several alternative therapies aim to reduce anxiety and stress in addition to doctor-prescribed treatment.

These therapies can include:. Calming techniques cannot cure bipolar disorder. But they may help you manage your symptoms as a valuable part of your treatment plan. Erratic patterns and sleep deprivation may worsen symptoms of bipolar disorder. IPSRT is a type of psychotherapy.

It aims to help people with bipolar disorder to:. Stay on top of latest health news from Harvard Medical School. Recent Blog Articles. Flowers, chocolates, organ donation — are you in? What is a tongue-tie? What parents need to know. Which migraine medications are most helpful?

How well do you score on brain health? Shining light on night blindness. Can watching sports be bad for your health? Beyond the usual suspects for healthy resolutions. October 27, By David Mischoulon, MD, PhD , Contributor Omega-3 fatty acids are found primarily in fish oil and certain marine algae.

How might omega-3s improve depression? Omega-3s for other mental health conditions Omega-3s have been studied in various mood disorders, such as postpartum depression, with some promising results.

What dose of omega-3s is beneficial? Side effects and other safety considerations Omega-3s are generally safe and well tolerated.

The bottom line on omega-3s and mental health Omega-3 fatty acids are promising natural treatments for mood disorders, but we need more research about how they work, how effective they really are, and their long-term safety before we can make conclusive recommendations for people managing mental health conditions or who wish to improve mood.

About the Author. David Mischoulon, MD, PhD , Contributor Dr. Mischoulon is the Joyce R. Tedlow Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and Director of the Depression Clinical and Research Program DCRP of the Massachusetts General Hospital MGH.

He is a board-certified psychiatrist and … See Full Bio. Share This Page Share this page to Facebook Share this page to Twitter Share this page via Email.

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