Yoga as an adjunct treatment for BPAD

Patients suffering from psychological issues are constantly on the lookout for newer treatment options. The most common reasons are as follows

1. Slow onset of action and low to moderate efficacy of the currently available medication.
2. Poorly explained and understood details of how the medication actually works.
3. Uncertainty on how long to use the medication once initiated.
4. Effort and time that needs to be put into therapies
5. Fear of side effects.

One such alternative treatment that is being tried by a lot of patients with bipolar disorder (BD) is Yoga. People have tried it as a standalone treatment or as an adjunct to medication/therapy. Scientific literature currently available does not give us a definitive answer to whether it is helpful or harmful as people have reported both feeling better and worse after trying this form of treatment. 

As with most therapies and techniques which aim to improve mental health, yoga could be beneficial if it is done with proper guidance and in conjunction with therapy or/and medication. 

References:

• Jean M, Umair M, Muddaloor P, Farinango M, Ansary A, Dakka A, Nazir Z, Shamim H, Paidi G, Khan S. The Effects of Yoga on Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review. Cureus. 2022 Aug 4;14(8):e27688. doi: 10.7759/cureus.27688. PMID: 36072189; PMCID: PMC9440796.
• Uebelacker LA, Weinstock LM, Kraines MA. Self-reported benefits and risks of yoga in individuals with bipolar disorder. J Psychiatr Pract. 2014 Sep;20(5):345-52. doi: 10.1097/01.pra.0000454779.59859.f8. PMID: 25226195.