Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar Disorder is a serious mood disorder characterized by shifts from depression to a manic or elated phase, on at least one occasion. Presence of manic phase characterizes the difference between the two main types of bipolar disorder. This disorder has varying degrees of severity. Depressed state is characterized by at least two weeks of depressed, sad or hopeless feelings. It can be accompanied by angry frustrated or irritable mood. Other features are loss of interest in pleasurable activities, change in appetite and sleep, decreased energy or tiredness, and feelings of worthlessness may also occur. Cognitive impairments can include difficulty with thinking, memory or concentration. Talk of suicide or gestures should be taken seriously and help should be sought. Hypomanic and manic phase are characterized by increased grandiose thinking, decreased need for sleep, talkativeness, pressured speech, flight of ideas, distractibility, and may include excessive involvement in indulgent activities that could have painful consequences. The manic phase is more severe and causes a marked impairment in functioning and may require hospitalization.

Because the disorder is resistant to many medications, finding the best pharmacological intervention can prove daunting and difficult. These individuals suffer from the loss of functional lives with the constant mood swings and disrupted personal relationships. Often hospitalizations and re-hospitalizations are necessary and provide temporary relief of the symptoms.

Can neurofeedback help bipolar disorder? Absolutely! Research and clinical practice has shown that bipolar and mood disorders respond very favorably to neurofeedback treatment. In fact, significant progress is being reported in the treatment of mood disorders. Bipolar disorder appears to be related to an instability in the brain which responds to a specific treatment plan directed at stabilizing the brain wave activity. The result is the individual will begin to reduce the severity and frequency of the mood swings and with continued treatment can reduce or eliminate medication, under medical supervision. Mood stability can be attained and eventually the frequency of treatment can be minimized significantly over time as the person maintains and sustains mood stability.