Bipolar disorder:
treating the long phase
Between the highs and lows there is usually a long depression, and it is exactly this phase that often goes untreated because antidepressants carry risk. In this phase we work with methods that leave your stabilisation untouched, carefully dosed and coordinated with your psychiatrist.
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- No obligation
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- Outpatient · Bad Aibling
- Non-invasive
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The depressive phases are often the longest and hardest part of bipolar disorder. Perhaps you have experienced an antidepressant tipping you into a high, and since then the advice has been to wait. You need a path that respects your stability and still takes the depression seriously. That is exactly what we watch for.
Bipolar disorders affect an estimated 1–2 in 100 people; the depressive phases usually dominate in duration.
Symptoms have a map
In bipolar disorder the balance shifts between the limbic network and the central executive network that regulates impulse and mood; the salience network does not switch stably between inner and outer focus. In the depressive phase the network patterns resemble unipolar depression. Two systems help decide how stable this balance stays. Sleep: a single sleepless night can trigger a switch; so the sleep rhythm is part of safety for us, not only of wellbeing. And the thyroid: an underactive thyroid, not rare under lithium, deepens and prolongs depressive phases; dampened network activity under hypothyroidism is a thyroid case first. A physician rules out structural causes.
For an overview of the six brain networks and a first orientation, see the Brain Network Analysis.
The assessment first, then your program.
In our program everything begins with a structured assessment: history with the course of your phases, your psychiatrist’s findings, questionnaires on mood and sleep, clinical examination, lab work including thyroid and medication levels. A qEEG brain mapping is added when we want to know how your networks are working in the current phase, and it is a prerequisite before we stimulate. Neuromodulation is one building block: tDCS or rTMS in the depressive phase, low dosed and closely monitored, because a switch into mania must be avoided. Beside it stand a fixed sleep and daily rhythm, the thyroid and psychological support. Your mood stabilisation stays unchanged; any change to medication rests with your psychiatrist, with whom we coordinate the program.
Our aim stays the same: to restore functional balance, with as little medication as possible and a life with high quality of life as the measure.
You don’t have to decide anything today. A 15 to 20 minute conversation is enough to know whether an assessment is worth it for you.
Free & non-binding · usually a reply within 2 business days · confidential
Who it is for, and who it is not for
A good fit if …
- Medication or therapy has not been enough so far
- You are looking for a measurement-based, non-invasive path
- You are open to outpatient treatment in Bad Aibling
Less suitable if …
- You expect a purely remote or online treatment without on-site diagnostics
- You expect a guarantee — serious medicine cannot give one
In an acute crisis or having suicidal thoughts? Please seek immediate medical or emergency help — in Germany call 112, or the free 24/7 helpline Telefonseelsorge 0800 111 0 111.
The first consultation is free. We discuss the scope, duration and cost of any program openly afterwards, outpatient, here in Bad Aibling.
What the research shows
Peer-reviewed work on Bipolar Disorder and the relevant procedures, graded by evidence level. No study proves an individual outcome.
In short: for some procedures the evidence is solid, for others still early. Where your case stands is settled in the assessment, and the program follows from it.
Transcranial direct-current stimulation (tDCS) for bipolar depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis
The efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for bipolar depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Comparing different non-invasive brain stimulation interventions for bipolar depression treatment: a network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Accelerated intermittent theta-burst stimulation and treatment-refractory bipolar depression: a randomized clinical trial
Brain stimulation treatment for bipolar disorder
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in bipolar disorder: a systematic review
More studies across all conditions: Science & Studies.
Randomised trials exist for rTMS and tDCS in bipolar depression, fewer and smaller than in unipolar depression. Safety and your medication set the frame; within it the program follows what your assessment shows.
A real doctor. A real clinic.
Dr. med. univ. Julian Douwes · Medical Director
Part of Clinicum St. Georg, under the medical direction of Dr. med. univ. Julian Douwes. Outpatient, evidence-graded, without medication as the first step — tailored to your profile. More on our program.
- 30+ Years of clinical heritage
- 90+ Countries patients travel from
- 30,000+ Treatment sessions delivered
In three calm steps
Bipolar Disorder: let’s talk about your path.
In a free consultation we clarify whether and how our measured program could fit you — no obligation, fully confidential.
Free & non-binding · usually a reply within 2 business days · confidential