Faster Treatment for Bipolar Disorder Brings New Hope for Patients

Bipolar disorder (BP) is a challenging condition marked by alternating periods of depression and mania. For some patients, conventional treatments do not offer much relief or, at least, take plenty of time. Fortunately, recent research offers new hope.

A recent study has introduced a new form of brain stimulation called accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS), which could dramatically reduce treatment time for bipolar disorder. Traditionally, brain stimulation treatments like this can take four to six weeks to complete. Interestingly, the new aiTBS technique shortens this time to just five days.

The research focused on patients with treatment-resistant bipolar disorder, meaning they hadn't responded well to other treatments. The results were promising: patients who received aiTBS showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, offering a new potential therapy for those who haven't found relief with other treatments.

The study was published in JAMA Psychiatry.

How does it work?

aiTBS is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic fields to stimulate specific areas of the brain. This stimulation is believed to create changes in brain connectivity, which can lead to decreased depressive symptoms. The most exciting part is that the benefits were observed quickly, and the treatment is much shorter than traditional methods.

While the study involved a small group of 24 patients, the results are encouraging and pave the way for larger trials. For those living with bipolar disorder, this research offers hope for a more effective and faster treatment option in the near future.

If you or someone you know is struggling with bipolar disorder, know that advancements in treatment are being made, and there is hope for better, more efficient care on the horizon.

While more research will be required to refine the treatment before going public, you need all the help you can get now for your disorder.

Contact us at Hope Mental Health today.

Author

Satu H. Woodland, PMHCNS-BC, APRN Satu Woodland is owner and clinician of Hope Mental Health, an integrative mental health practice located at Bown Crossing in Boise, Idaho. She sees children, adolescents, and adults.  Ms. Woodland with her background in nursing, prefers a holistic and integrative approach to mental health care that addresses the mind and body together. While Ms. Woodland provides medication management services in all her patients, she believes in long-lasting solutions that include a number of psychotherapies, namely cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure and response prevention therapy, attention to lifestyle, evidenced based alternative psychiatric care and spirituality. If you’d like to gain control over your mental health issues, call Hope Mental Health at 208-918-0958, or use the online scheduling tool to set up an initial consultation.