Bipolar II disorder, also called manic depression, is characterized by hypomania, a less severe form of the mania seen in bipolar I. Hypomania causes mood elevation and irritability; bipolar II generally has a less disruptive effect on a person's ability to perform daily activities. Hypomania episodes alternate with depressive episodes. Because the medications used to treat bipolar disorder often have significant side effects, many people turn to alternative therapies to decrease their need for medication. In no way should vitamin therapy be substituted for traditional medications and medical treatment; always discuss their use with your medical practitioner.
Types
The vitamins most often used to treat bipolar II disorder include the B-complex vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E and vitamin C. Specific B vitamins that may help include B-1, also called thiamine, and B-6, since deficiencies of both can contribute to depression, anxiety and irritability and B-9, also called folic acid, since folic acid levels often fall during manic episodes and in people taking lithium. B-12 deficiency may, like folic acid, trigger manic states. Folic acid along with B-12 may also aid with the functioning of some antidepressants. Between 31 and 35 percent of depressed patients have folic acid deficiency, according to Manic Depression. B-12 deficiency may also contribute to depression. Vitamin C may help reduce levels of vanadium, a trace mineral, which often rises in people with bipolar disorders.
Mechanisms
B-complex vitamins often work together, so taking a B-complex that combines them in the correct amounts along with folic acid may improve results. B-complex vitamins also get used up quickly when you're under stress, so supplements have special benefit at those times, according to PsychCentral.
Risks
Taking too much of the fat-soluble vitamins can cause an overdose. High levels of vitamin A can cause fatigue, an orange tinge to your skin and hard, painful swellings on the back of your head, arms or legs. Excess vitamin D can cause bone loss, high calcium levels in your blood and kidney problems. Too much B-6 can cause nerve damage; notify your doctor if you develop tingling in your hands or feet. Taking too much folic acid may induce mania, Pendulum warns.
Interactions
Some vitamins can interact with medications used to treat bipolar disorder. Folic acid, for example, can negate the effects of Depakote and other anti-convulsants, leading to manic mood swings, according to PsychCentral. Vitamin supplementation should never be a do-it-yourself project if you have bipolar II disorder. Your medical practitioner must know what supplements you take and approve their use for you to obtain the best results from your medication regimen.
