Bipolar Disorder and Routine

I'm pretty familiar with bipolar disorder, so it's kind of amazing that they had to do a study to figure this out.

Using what researchers dubbed interpersonal and social rhythm therapy, patients were taught how to keep to normal sleeping, eating and other daily routines. They also were shown how to anticipate and cope with stress just as a diabetic who would be taught, for example, how to cook and eat differently.

. . .

In the study, 175 patients suffering from the most severe form of bipolar disorder were divided into several groups. All the patients were given medication for the disorder, but only some received interpersonal and social rhythm therapy.

The researchers found those who received the therapy were more likely to not have relapses of their illness during a two-year maintenance phase.

So, basically, if you eat regular meals, get plenty of sleep and maintain a schedule, you will be more stable. It's funny, because those are the three things you should do to reduce stress. People with reduced stress are calm and calm people tend to be more stable.

By jove, those researchers are brilliant!