Phosphatidylserine, also known as PS, is a naturally occurring lipid found in brain cells. PS has been primarily studied as a possible treatment for dementia and cognitive impairments; however, preliminary research suggests that PS supplements may also stabilize and improve mood. Consult your physician or psychiatrist before taking PS supplements because of the potential for interactions with medication.
Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder is a severe mood disorder affecting 2.6 percent of the adult population in the United States, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Bipolar disorder, commonly referred to as manic-depressive disorder, involves alternating periods of manic behavior and depression. Manic symptoms include an overly happy mood for long periods of time, or irritability, surviving on very few hours of sleep, fast talking, flight of ideas and being impulsive. Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition often requiring medication.
Phosphatidylserine
Research on phosphatidylserine supplement, or PS, has focused on memory impairment. Early studies suggested that PS may help to improve memory in older adults. PS supplements were originally derived from cows. But concern about mad cow disease forced researchers to isolate PS from soybeans. The FDA allows supplements containing very high quality soy-derived phosphatidylserine to display a "qualified health claim" stating that "Very limited and preliminary scientific research suggests that phosphatidylserine may reduce the risk of dementia in the elderly. FDA concludes that there is little scientific evidence supporting this claim."
Phosphatidylserine and Mood
Although no research has specifically investigated phosphatidylserine and bipolar disorder, research has begun to focus on PS and other psychiatric conditions. A 2001 study published in "Nutritional Neuroscience" found that young adults taking a PS supplement daily had less stress and an improved mood over their peers. A small study published in the journal "Psychiatry" found similar results with elderly patients who had clinical depression. A PS supplement significantly improved depression symptoms compared to the control group.
Precautions
The FDA has not approved phosphatidylserine for the treatment of mood disorders, including bipolar disorder. Although research studies suggest that PS may help improve mood, much more research needs to be done, especially related to bipolar disorder. A number of medications are well established to help treat bipolar disorder and stabilize mood. Speak to your psychiatrist or physician if you current medicine is not helping your mood. Do not add PS supplements to your treatment regimen without first talking to your doctor.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder Among Adults
- National Institute of Mental Health: What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
- U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Qualified Health Claims
- Alzheimer's Association: Alternative Treatments
- "Nutritional Neuroscience"; The Influence of Phosphatidylserine Supplementation on Mood and Heart Rate When Faced with an Acute Stressor; D. Benton, et al.; 2001
- "Psychiatry"; Hypothalamo-Pituitary-Adrenal Function in Elderly Normal and Depressed Patients: Effects of Phosphatidylserine Therapy; Francesca Brambilla, et al.; 1994
