Research Paper (postgraduate) from the year 2017 in the subject Medicine - Public Health, grade: 1, Egerton University, language: English, abstract: Bipolar disorder has seemingly become one of the most challenging psychiatric illnesses in the U.S and the world at large. Statistics of this disorder were considered relatively insignificant in the past, but recent studies reveal that its prevalence has increased to an alarming level. Bipolar disorder is a psychiatric illness in which an individual experiences mania and depression episodes leading to social withdrawal, irritability and extreme sadness. In addition, bipolar mania is characterized with aggressiveness, sexual inappropriateness and exaggerated self-confidence. As such, its diagnosis and treatment encompasses immense complexity. However, there are numerous alternatives of treating bipolar disorder, which are more efficient than medication. Therefore, this research paper will discuss alternative methods of dealing with bipolar disorder such as lifestyle changes, nutrition and herbal remedies. It will also provide an overview on medication, and its related side effects to create an understanding of the significance of using alternative treatment approaches.