The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or the DSM-IV-TR, describes bipolar I disorder as the presence of at least one manic or hypomanic episode. A manic episode consists of periods of grandiosity, decreased need for sleep, pressured speech, racing thoughts, excessive distractibility, increased spending and promiscuous behavior and agitation. A true manic episode will have at least four of these components. Hypomania is defined as, literally, "little mania," and consists of the above behaviors but to a less extreme degree. Bipolar disorder may also include periods of depression, but this is not a requirement for the disorder. Given the seriousness of this disorder, scientists are interested in compounds that can help.
What is Phosphatidylserine?
Phosphatidylserine (PS) is a naturally occurring chemical in the body that belongs to the class of phospholipids. These particular phospholipids are found in cell membranes, and they help give cells structure and have been implicated in cell regeneration and general healing at the cellular level. PS does occur in other organisms, but unfortunately, the most pure form comes from bovine brains, which is a concern due to bovine encephalitis, also known as Mad Cow Disease. Scientists have been able to find less pure forms of PS in soybeans and have studied how this compound can be used in the treatment of mental disorders.
The Role of Phospholipids in the Etiology of Mood Disorders
The biochemistry of mood disorders such as bipolar disorder is understood to some degree, but scientists are always looking for more information. To further the examine the role of phospholipids, such as PS, play in development of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, researchers at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland, studied phospholipid levels in the postmortem brain tissue of these patients to look for abnormalities. Their results, which were published in 2010 issue of the "Journal of Psychiatric Research," showed that in certain brain regions, such as the hippocampus PS levels were lower than that of control groups.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Phosphatidylserine
PS is a compound that works together with other cellular chemicals such as omega-3 fatty acids, which have been implicated in enhanced mental health. In 2007 researchers at the University of California at Berkeley looked at the role of PS and a specific omega-3 acid called eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. They found that EPA supplements, which are anchored by phosphatidylserine in the cells, led to improved cognitive functions in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders, including bipolar disorder. In the discussion section of their study, which was published in the journal of "Alternative Medication Review," they hypothesize that these supplements may lead to a new way to treat affective disorders.
Putting it All Together
At the time of this publication, there are no FDA-approved varieties of PS compounds for the treatment of bipolar disorder. Bipolar disorder is a complex mental illness with underlying neurobiological dysfunction. Luckily, there are FDA-approved medications with robust research that can help individuals who suffer from this disorder. A person who believes he has bipolar disorder should discuss all medication and behavioral treatment options with his psychiatrist.
References
- "The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Revised"; The American Psychiatric Association; 1994
- "Alternative Medication Review"; Omega-3 DHA and EPA for Cognition, Behavior, and Mood: Clinical Findings and Structural-functional Synergies with Cell Membrane Phospholipids; PM Kidd, et al.; 2007
- "Journal of Psychiatry Review"; Phospholipid Profile in the Postmortem Hippocampus of Patients with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: No Changes in Docosahexaenoic Acid Species; K Hamazaki, et al.; 2010
