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.