Can Hypnosis Help Bipolar Disorder
Hypnosis is frequently featured in pop culture, and most people are likely familiar with it. When thinking about hypnosis, you might picture a therapist’s office with a client lying on a couch. The person may seem like they're sleeping, and the therapist has complete control over what they say and do.
However, the reality is different and less mysterious. For example, a client is awake during hypnosis and cannot be forced to do anything against their will. Instead, hypnosis resembles a state of deep relaxation and focus that a psychotherapist can use to manage specific symptoms of various mental health conditions. This article will explore whether hypnosis can help treat bipolar disorder. It also discusses the potential benefits and limitations of hypnosis for managing bipolar symptoms.
What Is Bipolar Disorder?
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition affecting about 40 million people worldwide, with many remaining misdiagnosed and untreated. It is classified as a mood disorder and causes extreme shifts in a person’s mood, energy, activity, and thought patterns. It is characterized by two main phases: mania (or hypomania) and depression.
During mania, a person often feels highly energetic, excited, distracted, or even irritable. This phase also involves rapid talking, little need for sleep, heightened confidence, and risky decision-making. On the flip side, a depressive phase features a loss of interest in normally enjoyable activities, feelings of sadness, fatigue, and hopelessness. Different types of bipolar disorder exist, most notably the following:
Bipolar I: This type of bipolar disorder is the most severe and is characterized by at least one manic episode during a person's lifetime. While depression can occur, experiencing severe depression is not required for a Bipolar I diagnosis.
Bipolar II: When diagnosed with this type, the focus is on depression, which must always be present. Hypomania can also occur occasionally, and Bipolar II may eventually develop into bipolar I.
Cyclothymic Disorder: This form of bipolar disorder is rarer and comes with less extreme mood swings. The periods of hypomanic and depressive symptoms may also be shorter. However, cyclothymic disorder can also develop into the two other forms above.
Can Hypnosis Help Bipolar Disorder?
Hypnosis can help treat bipolar disorder when combined with other therapies. Specifically, it can help alleviate common symptoms of this serious mental health condition, such as anxiety, stress, and insomnia, by encouraging patients to relax and remain calm. It can also aid in emotional regulation, foster healthier habits, and transform negative thought patterns into more positive ones.
However, it is essential to note that hypnotherapy should always be used in conjunction with other primary treatments. It cannot effectively treat bipolar disorder, especially mania and depression, as the sole treatment or replace other methods discussed in the next paragraph. Additionally, it should only be administered by mental health professionals who are experienced with this complex condition.
Other Ways of Treating Bipolar Disorder
There are various ways to help manage the symptoms of bipolar disorder, which, like many other mental health conditions, can include therapy, lifestyle changes, medications, social support, systems, and mindfulness practices. Specifically, this may involve Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), medications such as mood stabilizers, antipsychotics, and antidepressants. Examples of effective medications are Abilify and Carbolith. In severe cases, hospitalization or electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may be necessary.
A regular sleep schedule, reducing stress, avoiding harmful substances such as alcohol and recreational drugs, and educating yourself and your loved ones about your condition can be helpful. Lastly, mindfulness exercises and peer support groups may also be beneficial.
By using the methods that work for you, in close cooperation with your doctor, you can reduce your symptoms and lead a successful and happy life, despite bipolar disorder.
