Bipolar disorder is mood disorder characterized by alternating periods of depression and mania. It is a chronic disorder and can be severely disruptive for a patient. Traditional treatments such as prescription mood stabilizers and cognitive behavioral therapy are able to control symptoms, but some natural supplements may also improve symptoms.
Lecithin
Lecithin is a phospholipid found mostly in high fat foods. It may help stabilize mood in people with bipolar disorder. Studies as far back as 1982 report that lecithin is effective for controlling mania, but it may also increase depression. Choline and inositol, two active compounds found in lecithin, have also been studied for bipolar disorder.
5-Hydroxytryptophan
5-hydroxtryptophan increases serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is known to be involved in mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. Taking it as a supplement may help stabilize your mood.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is an amino acid precursor to dopamine and norepinephrine, two neurotransmitters involved in mood. It can also help support normal thyroid function, which could also affect mood.
Other Supplements
Other supplements such as taurine, dehydroepiandosterone, and methionine and its derivative S-adenosyl-methionine, may also help improve bipolar disorder but could cause manic episodes. The herb St John's Wort can improve depressive symptoms, but may also induce mania in bipolar patients.
References
- PsychCentral.com: Nutritional Supplements for Bipolar Disorder
- BrightHub.com: Treating Bipolar Disorder with Natural Supplements
- American Journal of Psychiatry Online: Lecithin in the Treatment of Mania: Double-blind, Placebo-controlled Trials; Cohen, Lipinski, Altesman; 1982
- MayoClinic.com: Bipolar Disorder Definition
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