Bipolar disorder is a mental condition in which patients have incredible high periods of manic behavior, but then turn to low periods of severe depression. Bipolar disorder in children is difficult to treat, and psychotherapy should be given to the child to control mood swings. In addition to psychotherapy, some parents choose to add natural herbal supplements to the child's diet to help control moods. Some herbal supplements available that help control mood include St. John's Wort, tryptophan, tyrosine, phenylalanine, 5-HTP and fish oil.
St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort is an herb that comes from a yellow flower named Hypericum perforatum. The herb has been used for centuries as a treatment for depression. St. John's Wort produces hypericin and hyperforin, which are believed to inhibit the re-uptake of serotonin. Serotonin is known as the "happy neurotransmitter." Serotonin is a neurtransmitter that controls mood, and it is the main target of most pharmaceutical treatments like antidepressants that treat bipolar, borderline personality, and other mental illnesses.
5-HTP
5-HTP is a chemical used in the brain that converts to tryptophan. Tryptophan is a building block for serotonin. 5-HTP is in several over-the-counter herbal supplements and teas, so it's available for use for depression. 5-HTP works differently than St. John's Wort. St. John's Wort works by inhibiting the uptake of serotonin, so the brain accumulates quantities. 5-HTP works to produce more by the brain, so taking 5-HTP actually works to produce sufficient quantities. St. John's Wort and 5-HTP should not be taken in conjunction, or quantities of serotonin can rise to unhealthy levels.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine is similar to the other two treatments, but it works to increase the amount of noradrenaline in the body. Noradrenaline is a part of the "fight or flight" response that increases energy, raises blood pressure, constricts arteries and ultimately improves mood. Tyrosine is found in vitamin shops or health food stores. The treatment should not be used with other stimulants with children, because over-stimulation can occur including restlessness, insomnia and heart arrhythmia.
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