By: Ava
November 26, 2024

Connection Between Neurofeedback and Bipolar Disorder

Table of Contents

Bipolar disorder is a mental health disorder that presents with significant challenges in daily life. Individuals can have extended time frames with depressive symptoms that mimic a depressive disorder or manic symptoms. Some people have both. 

Those who struggle with bipolar disorder do not have options for cures yet, which means the best course of action is a plan that helps individuals control or reduce symptoms and their impact on daily life. 

For some, this can mean better identifying the triggers that happen right before a manic or depressive episode, while for others, it might mean reducing rumination and managing stress more effectively. 

One of the newer options for treatment is neurofeedback and bipolar disorder programs. 

Neurofeedback and Bipolar Disorder

Neurofeedback, sometimes called electroencephalogram (EEG), can be used to treat bipolar disorder. Neurofeedback works by helping individuals identify emotions and their corresponding brain waves, encouraging better control over those associations. 

This control means that individuals can better balance their brain chemistry, something that is often a leading cause of disruptive symptoms. 

This is a non-invasive program that can:

  • Show noticeable improvement in symptoms after an average of 15 sessions
  • Achieve long-term goals after 40 sessions

The length of time for each session is around 30 minutes. The process relies on electrodes placed on the scalp. These measure brain activity. Then that activity gets translated into video or audio for clients to see in real time. By learning to consciously control brain waves, individuals can, in real time, monitor their ability to move brain waves into desired ranges based on different emotions. 

Doing so helps control neurological symptoms of bipolar disorder by providing clients with a better idea of how they feel and function and how that relates to brain waves. With active sessions over the span of several weeks, clients can learn techniques to reduce their symptoms or extreme emotions. 

How Neurofeedback Helps Bipolar Disorder

Clients who undergo neurofeedback treatments for bipolar disorder can see improvement in the following:

  • Performance at work or school
  • Relationships
  • Personal independence
  • Stress management
  • Mood
  • Rumination
  • Low energy
  • Coping strategies

For some, a professional neurofeedback treatment plan can reduce the number of hospitalizations as well as the need to rely on medication. 

As mentioned, neurofeedback is a non-invasive procedure which means there is no anesthesia required. The short term nature of the sessions allows clients to book several sessions in a week, over the span of several weeks. 

There are next to no side effects, and neurofeedback can be combined with any other form of treatment for bipolar disorder, including medications and therapy. 

It is always preferred to undergo this treatment in an authorized clinic providing mental health treatment plans, as professionals can help monitor the efficacy and its relation to other aspects of a treatment plan. 

For example, if someone is taking medication for bipolar disorder but after undergoing several weeks of neurofeedback has improved symptoms, they may be able to reduce the medication they are on or discontinue it entirely. 

Getting Bipolar Disorder Treatment with Multi-Concept Recovery

With two rehab centers, we provide several levels of outpatient care, each of which can help you tackle mental health issues like bipolar disorder. At our facility, we provide therapy, support, and structure that enables clients to manage symptoms at home. 

With Multi-Concept Recovery, we focus on programs that include psychotherapy and medications. Sometimes, clients work best in their recovery with mood stabilizers to help manage manic symptoms or antidepressants to help manage depressive symptoms. In other cases, antipsychotics are prescribed to control any delusions or hallucinations.

However, the medications only work to manage symptoms, while the therapies we provide help you manage daily life. With our talk therapy, CBT, and family therapy, clients learn to identify personal triggers, learn coping mechanisms, and develop healthier communication skills to express needs. 

In addition, we work hard to give access to holistic, evidence-based practices such as neurofeedback and bipolar disorder treatment programs. With these types of practices, clients may be able to reduce or stop medication plans entirely after several neurofeedback sessions. 

Overall, there is great potential for neurofeedback and bipolar disorder treatment, with limited studies helping clients to improve mood, manage stress, and develop healthier coping strategies. 

Contact our team today to learn more about our holistic neurofeedback and bipolar disorder options.