TMS for Bipolar Disorder: Can It Improve Symptoms?

Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition that causes extreme shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels. These shifts can make daily life challenging as they can interfere with a person’s ability to complete even the most basic tasks. One minute, someone might feel on top of the world, full of energy and ideas, and the next, they could find it hard to get out of bed with overwhelming feelings of sadness or anxiety. 

There are three main types of bipolar disorder: 

• Bipolar I – People with Bipolar I experience intense manic episodes lasting at least seven days or manic symptoms so severe they require hospitalization. Depressive episodes usually follow manic episodes. 
• Bipolar II – Those with Bipolar II see a pattern of depressive episodes along with hypomanic episodes. Hypomanic episodes are less severe than full-blown mania. 
• Cyclothymic Disorder – This disorder involves periods of hypomania and depressive symptoms that last for at least two years but are not as extreme as Bipolar I or II. 

Common Bipolar Disorder Symptoms

The symptoms of bipolar disorder vary depending on whether someone is experiencing a manic or depressive episode. During a manic phase, people may feel unusually energized, elated, or overly irritable. They might talk quickly, jump from topic to topic, or have racing thoughts. On the other hand, during depressive episodes, they can feel sad, anxious, or hopeless as they struggle to find interest in anything. 

Common manic symptoms include: 

• Feeling “up” or extremely irritable
• Racing thoughts, talking fast, and bouncing between topics
• Jumpy or restless behavior, being more active than usual
• Decreased need for sleep and excessive confidence in abilities
• Participating in risky or excessive behaviors, like spending sprees or heightened interest in sex

Alternatively, common depressive symptoms include: 

• Feeling “down,” sad, or empty
• Trouble sleeping – either sleeping too much or having difficulty falling asleep
• Talking slowly or feeling like there’s nothing to say
• Lack of energy and interest in daily activities
• Struggling to make decisions or concentrate
• Feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, or thoughts of death or suicide

Types of Treatment for Bipolar Disorder

Treatment for bipolar disorder often requires a combination of medication, therapy, and in some cases alternative interventions. Types of treatment may include: 

• Mood stabilizers and antipsychotics help regulate intense mood swings. Mood stabilizers are often the first line of defense, while atypical antipsychotics can also help manage mania. 
• Antidepressants with mood stabilizers is another common treatment; however, while antidepressants can help alleviate depressive symptoms, they should be paired with a mood stabilizer to avoid triggering manic episodes or rapid mood cycling. 
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other types of psychotherapy can help patients identify triggers, develop coping strategies, and maintain stability. 
• Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can be effective in extreme cases, especially if medications and therapy alone have not been enough to manage symptoms. 
• For some, specifically those with seasonal patterns to their bipolar disorder, light therapy can be beneficial in managing depressive episodes during the winter months.