Mental Health: Can Chiropractic Help With Bipolar Disorder?
Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.
By: Martha Michael
Bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic depression, is a mental health condition characterized by alternating periods of high energy and depressive low points. Symptoms of bipolar disorder are more than just bothersome—they can be dangerous, including suicidal thoughts and risky behaviors. Recognizing these signs is crucial. Building a support system that includes proper treatment and a strong social network can significantly help manage these symptoms.
Understanding the different types of bipolar disorder can also be helpful in recognizing the symptoms and seeking appropriate treatment.
What are the main types of bipolar disorder, and how do they differ?
According to WebMD, more than 10 million Americans suffer from a form of bipolar disorder, with men and women equally affected. Interestingly, women tend to experience depressive states more frequently than men. Men often report their first experience with bipolar disorder occurring during a period of high energy.
By charting the rapid cycling between highs and lows, mental health professionals can assess and diagnose a person’s condition. There are various types of bipolar disorder.
Bipolar I disorder
If you’ve had at least one major period of mania in your lifetime, you may be diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, even if you haven’t experienced a contrasting low point. Doctors and mental health professionals have observed a number of behaviors that typify someone in a manic state.
- High-energy, goal-directed activity
- Extreme irritability
- Racing thoughts
- Low level of attention
- Increased talkativeness
- Less need for sleep
- Increase in risky behaviors
- Exaggerated self-confidence
Bipolar II disorder
If you’ve experienced both a depressive episode and a period of hypomania (low-level manic symptoms), you may be exhibiting signs of bipolar II disorder. The main difference between the two types is th severity of symptoms. A person with bipolar II finds it easier to function than an individual with a bipolar I diagnosis. It’s still characterized by mood swings, but symptoms of bipolar II are less disruptive to their lifestyle. They are less likely to experience psychosis or be hospitalized than a patient with bipolar I.
Cyclothymic disorder
Sometimes, manic depressive symptoms are so mild they go unnoticed for years. In this case, a person may be diagnosed with cyclothymic disorder, which tends to cause enough disruption to demand treatment but is managed fairly easily. Many mental health professionals promote non-invasive options such as cognitive behavior therapies, which help patients change negative thought patterns.
What are the common symptoms of a depressive episode?
Depression plays an important role in bipolar disorder. A depressive episode is defined as an emotional low point lasting two weeks or longer, according to AI-driven health website Ada.com. Feeling depressed is fairly common and may be associated with circumstances, but the length of symptoms and degree of severity are key factors in properly diagnosing a person with bipolar disorder.
Based on criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (or DSM-5), a depressive episode involves five or more of the following symptoms.
- Insomnia or hypersomnia
- Restlessness
- Sluggishness
- Extreme weight loss or gain
- Severe changes in appetite
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Suicidal ideation
- Difficulty making decisions
- Inability to concentrate
- Low energy levels
If the five symptoms do not include a loss of interest in general lifestyle activities or depressed mood episodes, the patient is unlikely to be diagnosed with a depressive episode. Routine visits to health professionals such as chiropractors, psychotherapists, dentists, and general practitioners can make it easier to note changes in behavior and mood indicators, which makes diagnostics easier.
How can chiropractic address issues impacting a bipolar patient?
The quest to achieve optimal health is often difficult for bipolar patients. Psychotherapy and mood stabilizers are among the most common prescribed for the disorder. However, focusing only on symptoms can sometimes mean neglecting overall health. Chiropractic care offers a holistic health approach that is less invasive than taking medication. This approach promotes both physical and mental health.
An article by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services lists chiropractic care as a government-funded treatment option for adults with mental illnesses.
Recommended treatment options include:
- Chiropractic services
- Intermediate care facilities
- Screening and preventive services
- Inpatient psychiatric facilities
- Private duty nursing services
- Transportation
- Speech pathology
- Occupational therapy
Chiropractors can play a crucial role in supporting individuals with bipolar disorder and other mental illnesses, especially in areas where mental health professionals are scarce.
These professionals focus on treating health issues related to the nervous system and helping the body respond to stress. Additionally, they can identify symptoms stemming from neurological problems that contribute to conditions such as depression and anxiety.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder that are within the scope of chiropractic treatment are:
- Fatigue/insomnia
- Headaches
- Muscle stiffness
- Restlessness
- Stress
- Physical pain
- Nervous system function
If you're receiving treatment from a mental health professional, adding chiropractic care to your routine can help enhance your overall well-being. Chiropractic care addresses various aspects of holistic health, such as nutrition, exercise, and lifestyle choices. By focusing on these areas, you may find it easier to cope with your mental health challenges.
What are the potential risks of untreated bipolar disorder?
If a person’s symptoms spiral downward, they can become despondent and resistant to treatment. Even a manic state can become problematic if its impulsivity goes unchecked. The website for Clearview Treatment Programs has warnings about the outcome when bipolar disorder is left untreated.
Eroding relationships
Even the healthiest relationships can be complex, and for people with bipolar disorder, this complexity is often heightened by emotional instability. This instability can make interactions more challenging to navigate.
Problems with employment
Symptoms of bipolar disorder, including mania and depression, can affect the quality of a person’s performance at work. Performance may drop, and absenteeism may rise, so the employee gets labeled as unreliable. On a global scale, bipolar disorder is the sixth-leading cause of disability, according to the World Health Organization.
Substance abuse
Individuals with bipolar disorder may engage in risky behaviors such as excessive drinking, drug use, gambling, and overspending as a means to seek relief. The frequency of manic episodes can further amplify these risks.
Suicide
People with bipolar disorder and similar mental health issues struggle with suicidal thoughts more than the rest of the population. Anyone battling depression can have a hard time fending off suicidal ideation, including a person who isn’t receiving proper care for bipolar disorder.
You don’t have to be culturally literate to know the names of famous people who committed suicide after suffering from bipolar disorder. Reaching back to Vincent Van Gogh and, more recently, Naomi Judd, it’s a reminder of how important early detection and treatment are when dealing with a mental illness.
There are many celebrities speaking out about living with bipolar disorder and managing long-term symptoms successfully. Selena Gomez, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Russell Brand are a few of the most influential individuals opening up about the challenges involved.
If you've noticed signs you’re experiencing episodes of mania—even if they seem within the normal range—or are feeling overwhelmed and considering self-harm, please reach out for help. You can call the suicide prevention hotline at 800-273-8255 or dial 988 for immediate support.
If you or someone you know needs assistance with symptoms of bipolar disorder or other mental health challenges, the bipolar hotline at 866-903-3787 offers free, 24/7 support. Don't hesitate to reach out for help.
The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.