Occupational Therapy for Bipolar Treatment

Bipolar disorder is a difficult disease not only on the patient but on his or her family as well. Bipolar disorder, or as it was previously referred to, manic depression, is a complex combination of feeling manic (elated) and depressed. Bipolar disorder wreaks havoc on an individual's life. The medications used to treat it are not without serious side effects. Recently, more and more alternative methods to treat the disorder are not only being tested but conducted. One such treatment is occupational therapy.

What is bipolar disorder and occupational therapy?

• Bipolar disorder is an extreme swing of mood ranging from extreme happiness and grandiose (unrealistic) thoughts to severe depression (including thoughts of suicide). These mood swings can last anywhere from several weeks to months, causing an uproar in the patient's life to the point where it becomes unmanageable. If left untreated, the condition worsens and may lead to suicide.

  The most common treatment for the disorder is a combination of psychotropic drugs. As with all psychotropic drugs, they work differently in each patient and are not without several negative side effects. Usually, bipolar disorder, depending on severity, is treated with antidepressants, mood stabilizers and, in some cases, anti-psychotics, anti-anxiety and sleep medications. These medications commonly cause the patient to experience sleepiness, weight gain, anxiety, agitation and suicidal thoughts. The need for an alternative method to treat the disorder was considered imperative and is finally beginning to gain some momentum.

  According to the American Occupational Therapy Association, occupational therapy is defined as: "The therapeutic use of work, self-care, and play activities to increase development and prevent disability. It may include adaptation of task or environment to achieve maximum independence and to enhance the quality of life." In this context, one's "occupation," is actually his or her life, both professionally and personally. Moreover, the "therapy" refers to the intervention of an occupational therapist into someone who may have a disability or disorder.

How Can Occupational Therapy Help Bipolar Disorder?

• Occupational therapy is used to help someone overcome boundaries that they experience on a daily basis in order to live a "normal" life. These therapists are trained on all aspects of life, be it cognitive, emotional or motivational. Bipolar disorder affects exactly these aspects and sometimes medication alone is not effective enough to allow a patient to live a normal life. The process begins by the therapist observing the patient. Ultimately, a treatment plan is created and therapy begins. By re-teaching these individuals how to conduct everyday living activities, they, in essence, help them re-think, therefore alleviating some of the negative thoughts they have.

  Occupational therapy is effective on depression in that therapists train the patient to change his cognition (thought patterns). Usually, depressed individuals lack any sort of motivation and feel so down that they are uninterested in any regular activities. An OT helps them, through real life experiences (such as going to the grocery store and facing the public), by not only facing their fears but providing them with the outline necessary to change their thoughts.

  The flip side of bipolar disorder, mania, is extremely difficult to work with. These individuals are elated, out of touch with reality and hyper. Keeping this in mind, occupational therapists use the wise methods of keeping everything strictly goal-oriented and time managed. If not put under these restrictions, attention would almost surely not be paid to the therapist. By imposing these strict guidelines, they are able to get the individual to focus, allowing them the opportunity to work on their emotions and thoughts.

Are All Bipolar Patients Candidates for Occupational Therapy Treatment?

• Certainly, occupational therapy is an excellent choice for anyone who suffers from bipolar disorder. Unfortunately, in extreme cases (psychosis, high mania), this form of treatment, like other mind therapies, is usually ineffective. These individuals will most likely have to take some type of medication to alleviate the symptoms and be able to focus on the occupational therapy. Once they are stabilized, however, occupational therapy can help them live a happy, productive life.