By Martin Brink, Board-Certified in Neurotherapy and QEEG:
Many of our clients with Bipolar Disorder are exhausted by the “chemical straightjacket”—the choice between extreme mood swings or a life of emotional blunting and Brain Fog caused by heavy medication.
They want to know: ‘What is a better therapy for Bipolar Disorder?’ Beyond “managing” symptoms with mood stabilisers or ten sessions of counselling, is there a way to address the underlying volatility?
In order to look for a reasonable answer, it’s a good idea to examine the function of the affected organ: The Brain.
Based in Neuroscience, QEEG Brain Mapping can identify the dysfunctional patterns of Bipolar Disorder in Brain activity, and Neurotherapy offers a drug-free pathway to real and lasting change; because Bipolar is — without a doubt — a Functional Brain Disorder.
But what exactly does that mean?
Real client’s LoRETA loop: Red = faulty, excessive activity
All our Abilities, Behaviours and Experiences arise from the electrical activity in our Brains.
Electroencephalography (EEG) records electrical Brain activity from the scalp with very little fuss:
Quantitative EEG (QEEG) analyses the Brain’s electrical activity: Green = normal levels.
If our Brain’s electrical activity is out of order, it affects our Abilities, Behaviours and Experiences.
When Brain activity isn’t normal, it shows up in the EEG. See for yourself (psychiatric client):
QEEG maps: Yellow = a bit too much, Orange = clearly too much, Red = crazy too much activity.
Bipolar I, Bipolar II and Cyclothymia are complex neuro-developmental conditions with profound dysregulation of mood networks in the Brain. This shows up as distinctive patterns of abnormal Brain activity in functional neuro-imaging studies with fMRI, QEEG and LoRETA.
Understanding these electro-physiological signatures is crucial for targeted Neurotherapy with Neurofeedback to help restore normal Brain function by addressing the physiological root cause of the cycling mood states.
Below you’ll see some of the abnormal patterns that are commonly found in Bipolar Disorder Brains, according to research and clinical experience.
Left Frontal “Low Drive” Pattern
The left front of the brain helps us plan, decide, and stay motivated. In many people with Bipolar Disorder, this area is chronically underactive — even when they’re not depressed. This leads to unstable drive, poor decision-making and difficulties regulating strong emotions.
“Foggy Focus” in the Middle of the Brain
Some Bipolar Brains show increased slow brainwaves (Theta) along the midline — especially at rest. This makes it hard to concentrate, stay organised or switch/maintain attention. It can fuel mental fog, rumination during lows and impulsivity during highs.
“Push-Pull” Frontal Imbalance
We often see a mismatch between left and right frontal Brain activity as an ‘Alpha Asymmetry’: the left side (linked to positive emotions) is too quiet, while the right (linked to negativity or avoidance) is too loud. This imbalance contributes to mood instability and irritability.
Alpha Asymmetry is also frequently found in Depression and Adult ADHD.
Manic Episode: Mental Overdrive
During Mania, QEEG often picks up fast brainwaves (Beta, HiBeta) speeding across the front and centre of the Brain.
This reflects racing thoughts, pressured speech, reduced need for sleep, psychomotor agitation and relentless activity.
Depressive Episode: Trying Too Hard
In addition to other typical Neuromarkers for Depression, Bipolar Brains may also show signs of working overtime in the wrong way (left-frontal overactivation).
You can think of it, that the Brain is trying too hard to manage emotions, but getting stuck in rumination or numbness as a result.
Bipolar Disorder Treatment Neurofeedback - Selected Scientific References
