Bipolar Depression: Histadelia, Serotonin and Norepinephrine

Histadelia is the most common biotype in bipolars. It is characterized by undermethylation of brain neurotransmitters, including key antidepressant neurotransmitters such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. This causes chronic severe suicidal depression.

In the last post, I directed you to:

The Mood Cure Questionaire by Julia Ross

and the rest of her site. And to:

Dr. Priscilla Slagle's free ebook (The Way Up From Down):

which also talks about the use of amino acid precursors (e.g. tyrosine and tryptophan) for depression.

However, for histadelics, the major focus is not so much on supplying the precursors for serotonin, norepinephrine or dopamine, but on whether these neurotransmitters are being methylated. Intake of tyrosine, tryptophan, etc., may be helpful to some extent, but the key therapeutic target, and generally the most stabilizing treatment for the histadelic bipolar, is on getting these neurotransmitters working properly.

That is, by supporting neurotransmitter methylation with specific nutrients, while avoiding others which are counterproductive for the histadelic (such as folic acid).

 I will talk about signs and symptoms, as well as lab tests, in the next post.

For more info til then, you can always see my book: Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder.

Depression Nutrients: The difference between Unipolar and Bipolar Therapies

To begin with, let's look at nutrient approaches used for unipolar depression (especially amino acid therapies). Check out:

The Mood Cure Questionaire by Julia Ross

While there, you may want to explore the entire site.

Dr. Priscilla Slagle's free ebook (The Way Up From Down):

And the "Recommendation Summary" half way down the page.

The problem is, many treatments (either pharmaceutical or nutritional) developed for unipolar depression can destabilize bipolars.

This is because bipolars can be particularly sensitive to changes in brain stimulation. In general, the more extreme the antidepressant treatment, and the more quickly it works, the greater the likelihood of triggering mania,  more rapid or frequent cycling, and general worsening of the illness over the long term.

So  —

(1) Bipolar antidepressant nutrients should be as gentle and gradual as possible, while still addressing symptoms sufficiently. For instance, one might want to consider tyrosine instead of phenylalanine, tryptophan instead of 5HTP, green tea instead of coffee,  etc., And the lowest doses that do the job. Generally: good food, relevant vitamins, exercise, creativity, friendship, and moderation rather than overstimulation.

(2) Even though trying to elevate mood, concurrent therapies that support stability are critical!

More later. 

For more information, see my book, Natural Healing for Bipolar Disorder.