Bipolar and personality disorders are psychological conditions that can result in mood swings alternating between severe depression and euphoria, emotional detachment, alterations in perception, aggression, suspicion and mistrust of others, and impulsive behavior . Traditional treatment involves medication, psychotherapy, education or support groups and in some instances hospitalization or residential programs. Researchers from the Global Neuroscience Initiative Foundation published an article in 2008 in "Nutrition Journal" and reported that patients with mental disorders often are deficient in certain nutrients, and supplementation may help to alleviate symptoms. According to the Mayo Clinic, a lot is not known about alternative treatments and supplements for bipolar and personality disorders but some appear to have positive outcomes.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Bipolar disorder appears to be less common in areas where people eat diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids from fish, according to the Mayo Clinic. The "Nutrition Journal" article explains that omega-3s are used by the brain to send signals related to thinking, mood and emotion. Researchers from the UK published an article in 2005 in "Drugs" that reported the importance of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) omega-3 fatty acids to central nervous system functioning, and also stated that current evidence supports the use of omega-3s to treat depression and schizophrenia.
Amino Acids
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) and S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe) are amino acids thought to reduce symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder, according to the Mayo Clinic and University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC). SAMe helps brain function and may help mild to moderate depression by increasing the production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood. 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that calms and may work like an antidepressant. The UMMC warns that combining 5-HTP with antidepressants can lead to dangerously high levels of serotonin and should not be taken without medical supervision.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is an herb that may help with mild to moderate depression, according to the Mayo Clinic and the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). The UMMC says that St. John's wort may have fewer side effects than antidepressants, but can take 4 to 6 weeks to have an effect. St. John's wort is not for severe depression and can interact with antidepressants and other medications, so it is best to check with a physician before supplementing.
Additional Natural Supplements
Other supplements that may have a positive effect on bipolar and other personality disorders include Chinese herbs, ginko biloba and valerian. To date, the success of these supplements is based on anecdotal information and is not confirmed by scientific studies. The UMMC advises that herbs are generally safe, but a physician should always be consulted prior to starting any alternative or complementary treatments.
References
- "Drugs"; Omega-3 fatty acids in the treatment of psychiatric disorders; M. Peet, C. Stokes; 2005
- "Nutrition Journal"; Nutritional therapies for mental disorders; S.E. Lakhan, K.F. Vieira; January 2008
- Mayo Clinic: Bipolar disorder
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Depression
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Depression
