Some preliminary indications of nutritional outcome

Critical single nutrients
A number of small controlled or double blind studies restricted to specific critical nutrients (e.g., omega 3, various aminos, magnesium, vitamin C, etc.) have suggested considerable improvement, often comparable to pharmaceuticals short-term, and with a better profile long-term.*

Outcome with multiple nutrients
Not all isolated nutrients will be as effective Clinical results suggest multiple nutrients, accurately tailored to individual biochemical requirements, have the potential to compound the benefit significantly.

Thus, work with bipolars who fit certain "biotypes" is promising:
From accumulated data on over 1800 bipolars, given at least 90 lab assays each, Dr. William J. Walsh reports that of the approximately 80% of bipolars with biotype imbalances, 70% of those who stuck with the nutrient program (always an issue with bipolars) improved significantly; 50% eventually recovered to the extent that their physicians weaned them off medication. Results were best when biotype treatment was begun early. This may represent the best well-substantiated bipolar outcome thus far, whatever the treatment, either nutritionally or pharmaceutically-based. (Walsh 2007, 08)

Dr. Michael Lesser, MD, one of the early orthomolecular pioneers, similarly finds nutrient treatment  addressing biotype, other nutrient imbalances, blood sugar, allergies, immune status, liver function, etc, is successful in up to 85% of bipolars, "as long as the patient is dedicated to following treatment, and the family, supportive."  He states: "If they really cooperate, a tremendous amount can be done. Most can eventually go off medication. Others need minimal maintenance, but can work, go to school and do fine. Even if patients become frustrated, stop therapy, and go downhill, the overall outcome is still better than if they hadn't tried at all, because they have had the experience of the temporary gains." (Lesser 2008)


For more information, see Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder

Warning: Intake of nutrients does not imply a change in medication, although with nutrient-based improvement, many physicians will cautiously reduce dosage.  The information in this blog is presented for education purposes only. If you need treatment for bipolar disorder, or any other medical condition, consult a knowledgeable physician. In some cases, this will be an orthomolecular or other nutritionally-oriented physician. 

*For instance:
Stoll AL, Severus WE, . Marangell LB, “Omega 3 Fatty Acids in Bipolar Disorder: A Preliminary Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial,” Arch Gen Psychiatry, 56 (5): 407-12; May 1999. 
Kay DS, Naylor GJ, Smith AH, Greenwood C., “The therapeutic effect of ascorbic acid and EDTA in manic-depressive psychosis: double-blind comparisons with standard treatments,” Psychol Med, (14): 533-9; 1984.
Poldinger W, Calanchini B, Schwarz W, A functional-dimensional approach to depression: Serotonin deficiency and target syndrome in a comparison of 5-hydroxytryptophan and fluvoxamine, Psychopathology, 24(2):53-81; 1991.
Heiden, et al, “Treatment of severe mania with intravenous magnesium sulphate as a supplementary therapy,” Psychiatry Res, 89(3):239-46; 1999.

Nutritional therapies: Three Major Approaches

Nutritional therapies typically involve some combination of the following approaches, tailored to individual biochemical requirements:


1 Symptomatic: Nutrients are used to directly address mood.

     Stabilizing nutrients, usually lifelong, layered with mood-specific nutrients, when needed.

      For example, for bipolar depression: continue stabilizing nutrients; layer upon these, relevant antidepressant nutrients, using as mild a therapy as practical; taper off as symptoms remit.

Note: This approach is structurally similar to the mainstream pharmaceutical protocol (generally, mood stabilizers, lifelong, layered with mood and symptom-specific medication, when indicated). 
 


2 Nutrients to address relevant bipolar biotypes:

     Imbalances in neurotransmitter methylation.

     Pyrrole disorder.

     Metal metabolism issues.



3 Nutrient therapy for other underlying factors. These may involve:

    Specific nutrient requirements and/or imbalances.

    Health issues, e.g., allergies, blood sugar issues, hormonal balances,  Candida, malabsorption, seizures, toxicity, etc.

    Natural therapies to address diet, stress, and other lifestyle factors.

For more information, see Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder

http:///www.boragebooks.com/bipolar.html


 
Warning: Intake of nutrients does not imply a change in medication, although with nutrient-based improvement, many physicians will cautiously reduce dosage.  The information in this blog is presented for education purposes only. If you need treatment for bipolar disorder, or any other medical condition, consult a knowledgeable physician. In some cases, this will be an orthomolecular or other nutritionally-oriented physician.

Nutritional Mental Health Conferences, 2010

April 30 - May 2, Vancouver, BC, Canada

39th Annual International Conference: Orthomolecular Medicine Today

International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine (ISOM)

Advances in orthomolecular (nutritional) psychiatry, oncology, pediatrics, and general medicine.
http://orthomed.org/omt/omtreg.html
1 - (416) 733-2117

May 2-11, Sydney, Australia

Sydney Outreach 2010 - Medical Practitioner Training Program

Bio-Balance Health Association Inc

Training in nutrient therapy protocols for mental and behavioral disorders, and advanced evaluation; treatment  techniques for autism spectrum disorders.
http://www.biobalance.org.au/events/outreach-2010-practitioner
07 5515 7142

May 25, Salem, OR

2010 Addictions and Mental Health Conference

Both mainstream and natural approaches.
1 - (503) 945-7813
I will be speaking here, in the afternoon, on May 26.

Sept 8-11, Atlanta, GA

National Association of Rights Protection and Advocacy (NARPA)

Advocates and consumer/survivors. On legal issues (e.g., informed consent). Some sessions on alternative approaches.
http://www.narpa.org

Sept 29 – Oct 3, Anaheim, CA

Alternatives 2010

By and for mental health consumer/survivors. Includes sessions on alternative approaches.
http://www.power2u.org/alternatives-2010/index.html
1 - (800)-POWER2U


Feel free to write back with other upcoming nutritionally-oriented mental health conferences.


http://www.naturalhealingforbipolardisorder.com
http://www.boragebooks.com