Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder, also called manic depression, is a brain disorder that causes dramatic mood swings and affects energy levels and the ability to function. The periods of extreme highs and lows are called episodes of mania and depression. These symptoms can result in damaged relationships, poor performance at school or work, and even suicide. Fortunately, bipolar disorder can be treated.

Signs and Symptoms of Mania (Manic Episode) Include:

• Increased energy; restlessness
• Excessively good mood
• Racing thoughts
• Inability to concentrate
• Little sleep needed
• Poor judgement
• Drug and/or alcohol abuse

Signs and Symptoms of Depression (Depressive Episode) Include:

• Lasting sad, anxious, or empty mood
• Feelings of hopelessness; pessimism
• Decreased energy
• Sleeping too much, or can’t sleep
• Thoughts of death or suicide
• Loss of interest in activities once enjoyed

Occasionally, severe episodes of mania or depression include symptoms of psychosis, such as hallucinations or delusions. These symptoms tend to reflect the extreme mood state at the time.

Possible Causes of Bipolar Disorder:

Brain Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions such as periodontal disease, autoimmune disorders and cardiovascular disease can trigger the excitatory neurotransmitters to become over stimulated.

Neurotransmitter Imbalance: Mood swings can result from neurotransmitter imbalances, as our emotions are based on the release of these chemical messengers.

Nutritional Deficiencies: Our brains depend on a variety of nutrients to produce the neurotransmitters that regulate our emotions. Failure to get enough of these vital nutrients can have a negative effect on our feelings, energy levels, ability to concentrate, and other important functions.

Other factors that may influence bipolar disorder are hormone imbalances, impaired methylation, and the use of illicit or prescription drugs.

Testing for Causes of Bipolar

• A neuroendocrine profile can detect adrenal, hormonal, and neurotransmitter levels and pinpoint any deficiencies which may be linked to depression symptoms.
• A thyroid profile tests for levels of thyroid hormone to determine whether thyroid dysfunction is a contributing factor.
• Breath testing can detect bacterial overgrowth, which may indicate digestive issues such as Crohn’s disease, Celiac disease, lactose intolerance, and irritable bowel syndrome.
• IgG food allergy testing can confirm the presence of antibodies produced by food allergens.
• A digestive stool analysis can find problematic issues with metabolic function, digestive enzyme activity, immune function, and nutrient absorption.
• Urine peptide testing can reveal the presence of proteins that have a known association with neurological imbalances and psychiatric issues.
• An intestinal permeability test can detect leaky gut, a fairly common problem which has been linked with many mental health problems, including autism and depression.
• Organic acids testing detects the presence of acids which are associated with metabolic activities such as detoxification, microbial activity in the intestines, and neurotransmitter breakdown.

Natural Treatment for Bipolar

Laboratory testing may help to determine the contributing factor or factors causing your bipolar symptoms. With these results, your healthcare adviser can work with you to develop a treatment plan to correct any deficiencies or imbalances, remove allergens, detoxify, and increase digestive health. This individualized regimen may include dietary changes, neurotransmitter support, probiotics, multivitamins, or other supplementation.