Let’s dive into a topic that’s both fascinating and vital in the world of mental health care — managing manic episodes in bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder presents unique challenges, particularly when it comes to the highs of manic episodes, which can be intense and disruptive.
Traditionally, we’ve leaned heavily on medications and psychotherapy to manage these swings, but there’s an innovative treatment on the block that’s showing promising results: TMS therapy.
In this blog, we’ll explore how TMS helps manage manic episodes, providing an overview of the therapy, its effectiveness, and what it might mean for those living with bipolar disorder. Keep reading to learn more.
Understanding bipolar disorder and manic episodes
You might’ve heard about bipolar disorder and manic episodes before, but let’s break it down a bit. Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by significant mood swings that range from depressive lows to manic highs. It’s not only about having ups and downs; it’s a complex condition that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.
In bipolar disorder, there are generally two main phases: the depressive phase and the manic phase. While the depressive phase is incredibly draining and overwhelming, the manic phase is marked by an elevation of mood, increased energy, and often reckless behaviors.
During a manic episode, an individual may feel euphoric, overly confident, or exceptionally irritable. Their mind races, and they might jump from one idea to the next without finishing any of them. It can be overwhelmingly energizing; at first glance, it feels great. But this is where things can take a dangerous turn.
People experiencing manic episodes often engage in risky behaviors — like spending sprees, impulsive decisions about relationships, or even substance abuse — without fully appreciating the potential consequences. It’s as if they lose touch with reality to some degree, and their judgment is significantly impaired.
But how does this happen? Well, the brain’s chemistry plays a crucial role. Neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin are often imbalanced in people with bipolar disorder, particularly during these manic phases. A complex interplay of genetics, environment, and brain chemistry leads to these extreme mood states.
One thing that’s essential to keep in mind is that manic episodes can also disrupt someone’s life significantly. Relationships suffer, work gets jeopardized, and, importantly, the risk of potentially harmful behaviors increases.
For those who care about someone with bipolar disorder, it can feel like riding a rollercoaster — there are thrilling highs but also terrifying lows.
So, when we discuss treatment options for managing manic episodes, it’s critical to take a holistic approach. We need to consider medication, therapy, lifestyle adjustments, and potentially even novel treatment options. That brings us to the exciting therapeutic innovations currently on the horizon for managing this condition.
Understanding manic episodes is the first step toward effective management and treatment, allowing for a more informed approach and hope for those affected by bipolar disorder. Whether it’s medication, lifestyle changes, or exploring newer options like TMS, there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel, and it’s never too late to seek help.
Now, let’s dive deeper into how TMS therapy plays a role in this journey.
How TMS therapy works
Before we get into how TMS is used for managing manic episodes, let’s clarify what TMS is: a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate nerve cells in the brain. It’s primarily FDA-approved for treating major depressive disorder, especially in cases where traditional treatments like medication haven’t been effective.
The treatment involves placing a device on the scalp that delivers magnetic pulses aimed at specific brain areas. These pulses are thought to help regulate mood by enhancing communication between neurons. Essentially, TMS helps “reboot” certain regions of the brain that may be out of balance in individuals with mood disorders.
How TMS addresses manic episodes
Now, onto the golden question: how does TMS specifically help with managing manic episodes in bipolar disorder? While TMS is not typically the first-line treatment for mania, research indicates that it may hold some promise. Let’s delve into the specifics.
Balancing brain activity
In bipolar disorder, brain activity swings dramatically between manic and depressive states. During manic episodes, there is often heightened activity in areas responsible for mood regulation. This leads to symptoms like racing thoughts, elevated mood, irritability, and impulsiveness.
TMS targets these overstimulated regions of the brain, helping smooth out some of that excess activity. Using TMS to focus on areas associated with mood stabilization helps guide the brain back into a more balanced state.
While we’re still accumulating evidence on the specific pathways that TMS may impact in mania, patient reports, and preliminary studies suggest that it may reduce the frequency and intensity of manic episodes, much like it does for depressive phases.
Augmentation to traditional treatments
For individuals with bipolar disorder, treatment often includes a combination of mood stabilizers and psychotherapy. However, not everyone responds to medications or might experience unpleasant side effects. TMS serves as an additional tool for those who are struggling to manage their manic episodes effectively.
When traditional medication regimens don’t provide adequate relief, adding TMS may improve overall treatment efficacy. Some studies have indicated that patients who receive TMS in conjunction with medication report symptom relief in both manic and depressive episodes.
This dual approach could be exactly what some individuals need to take the edge off their manic symptoms and regain a sense of control.
Considerations and limitations
While TMS presents a promising adjunctive treatment for managing manic episodes, it’s essential to recognize the limitations and considerations associated with this therapy. Not every person with bipolar disorder is a candidate for TMS, and the effectiveness varies greatly between individuals.
Individual response and customization
The response to TMS differs from person to person. Some might experience significant relief from their manic symptoms, while others might see minimal benefits. As with any psychiatric intervention, it’s vital for us to take a personalized approach to treatment.
Working closely with a mental health professional will help determine if TMS fits your unique circumstances. It’s essential to monitor symptoms closely and be open to adjusting the treatment plan as necessary.
Benefits of TMS therapy for bipolar disorder
Non-invasive and well-tolerated
One of the most appealing aspects of TMS is that it’s non-invasive. Unlike some treatments requiring hospitalization or surgical procedures, TMS is usually administered in an outpatient setting. Patients typically sit in a comfortable chair while a magnetic coil is positioned near their head.
This ease of access and the fact that TMS is generally well-tolerated makes it an attractive option for many individuals with bipolar disorder. When they occur, side effects are usually mild — think scalp discomfort or headaches — and resolve quickly.
The least invasive alternative to medication
Let’s be real: medications are often the first line of treatment for bipolar disorder, and while they can be effective, they aren’t without their drawbacks. Some patients experience undesirable side effects from mood stabilizers or antipsychotics, which may include weight gain, sedation, and cognitive dulling.
Finding the right medication balance is sometimes a trial-and-error process, leading to periods of instability. TMS offers an alternative that carries fewer side effects and avoids the complexities of medication management. For individuals who either prefer not to use medications or have had limited success with them, TMS may be an appealing option.
A complementary approach
When it comes to managing bipolar disorder, an integrative approach often yields the best results. TMS therapy isn’t meant to replace traditional treatments; rather, it serves as a complementary approach.
Many patients benefit from using TMS alongside their existing medication regimen or as part of a broader treatment plan that includes psychotherapy, lifestyle changes, and support systems.
Talking to a healthcare provider about this combination can help tailor an individual treatment plan that benefits the individual’s unique needs.
Quick results
Another incredible benefit of TMS is the relatively quick onset of its effects. While traditional antidepressant medications may take weeks or even months to fully kick in, many patients begin noticing improvements in their symptoms within a few weeks of starting TMS therapy.
This is particularly appealing for those in the throes of experiencing manic or depressive symptoms, where immediate relief is often crucial for engagement in therapy and other aspects of life.
TMS therapy at Brain Health Center
If you or someone you know is navigating the challenges of bipolar disorder and manic episodes and looking for innovative treatment options, consider exploring the possibilities of TMS therapy at Brain Health Center in St. George, Utah. Our expert team is dedicated to providing cutting-edge treatments that significantly improve quality of life.
Don’t wait to take the next step toward better mental health. Contact Brain Health Center today to schedule a consultation and learn more about how TMS could be the right choice for you or your loved one. Let us help you achieve stability and wellness with the support and guidance you deserve.
To get started today, call us at 435.900.0123, email us at hello@brainhc.com, or fill out the form on our website.