Bipolar Disorder
Description
This is an illness, or psychosis, characterized by mood swings between opposite extremes, also referred to as manic depression.
The subject is either euphorically happy or suicidally depressed.
If the disorder is uniform, either happy or sad, without the swings, it is termed: “Unipolar”.
The disorder is treatable and some 80% will recover. Standard treatment is with lithium.
Causes
There is a genetic predisposition.
It also affects twice as many women as men.
Cellular metabolism involves sodium, potassium and ATPase. Vanadium may contribute, while lithium increases their activity. Changing dopamine levels have also been found.
Many patients may also develop a dependence upon alcohol.
Signs & Symptoms
Behavior at work may appear to be enthusiastic. At home, there may be a dependence upon alcohol to make it through the day. The individual may be anti-social and dwell upon suicide.
Clinically, cellular metabolism is reduced in manic depressives.
This state of affairs may resemble "Monday mornings", or "the morning after the night before" or be confused with a hangover, or PMS. Symptoms will continue, however, when these reasons can be ruled out.
Nutritional Supplements
Structure & Function: Nutrients for Brain Support
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General Supplements
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| Chromium* | |
| DLPA | 500-1000 mg |
| Folic Acid | 400 mcg |
| Tryptophan | 1-3 g |
| Vitamin B-6 | 25-100 mg |
| Vitamin B-12 | 10-100 mcg |
| Vitamin C | 1000-3000 mg |
* Please refer to the respective topic for specific nutrient amounts.
Note: All amounts are in addition to those supplements having a Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA). Due to individual needs, one must always be aware of a possible undetermined effect when taking nutritional supplements. If any disturbances from the use of a particular supplement should occur, stop its use immediately and seek the care of a qualified health care professional.
Dietary Considerations
Several nutrient deficiencies are associated with bipolar disorder. Indeed, low levels of folic acid may be further depleted by lithium carbonate, a popular medication (manic depression). There is also a fine dividing line between therapeutic and toxic dosages of lithium carbonate. Other vitamin deficiencies are: vitamin B12 and vitamin C.
Folate deficiency is present in more than a quarter of psychiatric admissions.
The efficacy of vitamin C is postulated to involve an antagonistic effect upon excess vanadium. Vanadium is one nutrient associated with mania. Another is excessive ingestion of L-glutamine, an excitatory amino acid.
Other amino acids are also involved as precursors to neurotransmitters, a dysfunction within which seems a likely source of dysfunctional behavior. Supplementation with these nutrients, therefore, may be beneficial. L-phenyalanine is a precursor to dopamine and nor-epinephrine. Phosphatidylcholine is a precursor to acetyl choline. L-tryptophan is a precursor to serotonin.
EPO, a form of Omega-6 fatty acids helps to prevent neurotoxic side effects from lithium carbonate. Another form which has proven clinically effective is safflower oil.
Cellular metabolism involves sodium, potassium and ATPase. Vanadium may contribute, while lithium increases their activity.
Homeopathic Remedy
| Description | Remedy |
| Delusions | Hyoscyamus Niger |
| Hysteria | Tarantula hispanola |
| Maniacal | Stramonium |
| Paranoia | Lachesis mutus tinct. |
| Tearful women | Pulsatilla nigricans |
| Violence | Anacardium orientale tinct. |
Treatment Schedule
Over-the-counter homeopathic remedies may be single strength (of fairly weak potency e.g. 6X ) or a blend of several weaker strengths (6X, 8X, 10X).
This may comprise a single remedy, or several remedies.
Doses are administered on a 3 times daily (tid), between meals,schedule and continued for 3 days.
Liquid preparations usually use 8-10 drops per dose.
Solid preparations are usually 2 or 3 pellets per dose.
Children use 1/2 dose i.e. 1 pellet.
If there is aggravation of the symptoms, stop taking the remedy and consult a homeopath.
References
Murphy, R. : Homeopathic Medical Repertory. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1993.
Murphy, R. : Lotus Materia Medica. Hahneman Academy, Pagosa Springs, Colorado. 1995.
Pert, J.C.: Homeopathy for the Family. The Homoeopathic Development Foundation, London. 1985 edition.
Herbal Approaches
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Herbs
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Pumpkin seeds
Note: The misdirected use of an herb can produce severely adverse effects, especially in combination with prescription drugs. This Herbal information is for educational purposes and is not intended as a replacement for medical advice.
Discussion:
Aromatic oils can promote well being. This extends from a lover's perfume, to the smell of a new car, or odors from the kitchen of a favorite dish.
Vanilla, for example, is a pleasant kitchen spice but also summons thoughts of ice cream and is a popular scent in skin lotion. Therefore, wearing a lotion with vanilla essence can bring back pleasant thoughts of eating ice cream at a party, or being in the kitchen at home during trying times at work.
A snack of pumpkin seeds [replaces the previously recommended Tryptophan).
Aromatherapy - Essential Oils
"Mood swings":
| Chamomile Essence, | Eucalyptus Essence, |
| Geranium Essence, | Lavender Essence. |
Related Health Conditions
Alcoholism
Dementia
Depression
Mania
Neuropathy
Psychosis
References
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