Manic depression, also known as bipolar disorder or bipolar mood disorder, is a brain condition in which you experience unexpected shifts in your energy levels, activity levels, mood and ability to perform your activities of daily living, notes the National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar disorder may also cause significant social problems, adds the institute. Before using dietary supplements to help treat or control your manic depression, review proper procedures, risks and alternatives with your psychiatrist.
Manic Depression
Manic depression is a common health problem in the United States, affecting about 10 million Americans, reports the National Alliance on Mental Illness. This condition affects men and women equally, is often a life-long condition and is characterized by periodic bouts of mania, or euphoria, and depression. In some cases, and if not treated properly, manic depression may lead to suicide. Common signs and symptoms associated with manic depression include risk taking, heightened or reduced physical and mental energy, and changes in your sleep patterns.
Effective Dietary Supplements
Vanadium, tryptophan and phosphatidylcholine may be three of the most effective dietary supplements in treating your manic depression, reports naturopathic physician Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine." Other beneficial dietary supplements for this health purpose may include tyrosine, zinc, taurine and free-form amino acids. Some of these supplements may not be backed by extensive scientific research and may require further study to validate their purported health effects.
Featured Supplement
Phosphatidylcholine may be one of the most helpful dietary supplements in treating manic depression. According to certified nutritional consultant and nutrition researcher Phyllis A. Balch, author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," phosphatidylcholine is a component of lecithin--a type of lipid required by all living cells in your body. Phosphatidylcholine may help increase choline levels in your brain, which are often deficient in people with bipolar disorder. This supplement is also thought to aid the action of lithium--one of the most commonly prescribed pharmaceutical drugs for this condition. Phosphatidylcholine, when taken as a supplement, has traditionally been used in treating neurological disorders, depression and memory loss.
Considerations
Manic depression is a serious condition that should always be managed by a licensed health care professional. Though dietary supplements have long been used in treating this health problem, the most optimal approach to treating manic depression may be a multi-modal treatment approach, incorporating both complementary alternative and conventional allopathic health measures. If you suffer from manic depression and are considering using dietary supplements to help treat your problem, meet with your psychiatrist to review all relevant supplement-related topics. If you are not currently under the care of a psychiatrist, discuss the possibility of a referral with your general practitioner.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder
- National Alliance on Mental Illness: Manic Depression
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph Pizzorno; 2002
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
