Also known as manic-depression or manic-depressive illness, bipolar disorder is a mental condition characterized by extreme mood swings ranging from severe depression to euphoria.

Often times, symptoms of bipolar disorder begin to surface in adolescence or early adulthood and may persist throughout life.

The changes affecting one’s emotional patterns as a result of bipolar disorder may last for weeks or months and can disturb the affected person’s life as well as those around them drastically. Left untreated, the condition usually gets worse.

An alternating roller coaster of emotional highs known as mania and lows known as depression are the typical emotional patterns that result from bipolar disorder. The intensity of these highs & lows varies from person to person. Bipolar disorder can range from a mild condition to a severe condition, and there may be periods of normal behavior.

In many cases, the manic phase includes signs and symptoms such as:

• Feelings of euphoria, extreme optimism and overly high self-esteem
  
  
• Poor judgment
  
  
• Difficulty sleeping
  
  
• Rapid speech, racing thoughts and agitation
  
  
• Inability to concentrate
  
  
• Recklessness and unusual risk taking
  
  
• Aggressive behavior
  
  

The depressive phase includes signs and symptoms such as:

• Constant feelings of sadness, anxiety, guilt or hopelessness
  
  
• Problems sleeping & eating
  
  
• Fatigue and loss of interest in daily activities
  
  
• Inability to concentrate
  
  
• Irritability
  
  
• Chronic unexplainable pain
  
  
• Suicidal thoughts

The exact cause of bipolar disorder still remains a mystery among many experts. But a number of factors related to the biology, genes and environment seem to play a role in causing and initiating episodes of this illness.

Evidence suggests that people with bipolar disorder experience differences in the chemical messengers between nerve cells in the brain. Often times, people with parents or siblings that have the disorder are prone to develop it as well because the abnormality may be in genes that regulate neurotransmitters. This is not always the case however.

Drug abuse and traumatic events may contribute to or trigger episodes of bipolar disorder.

While there is no sure fire way to prevent bipolar disorder, there are steps you can take to control mood changes. It is essential that your diet be a healthy one, exercise regularly, get sufficient amounts of sleep every night, reduce stress and avoid alcohol and drug use.

The following supplements may also help treat bipolar disorder effectively:

Omega 3 Fatty Acids from Fish Oil (take as directed on label) - Can help combat manic depressive episodes.

Choline - (take as directed) A nutrient that is needed for brain function and memory. It converts into phosphatidylcholine and has shown to be beneficial in bipolar disease.

Vitamin B Complex Injections (as prescribed by a qualified health care practitioner)- B vitamins are essential for normal brain function.

L-tryptophan (take as directed on label ) - Improves brain function.

5-HTP (take as directed) - Increases production of serotonin, but it should not be used with other antidepressants.

Calcium (1,500 - 2,000 mg daily) and Magnesium (1,000 mg daily) - Have a calming effect.

Chromium (300 mcg daily) - Mobilizes fats for energy.

GABA (750 mg daily) - Aids restful sleep.

Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids (2,000 - 5,000 mg daily in divided doses) - Needed for immune function and prevents depression.

Lemon Balm - Helps calm the stomach during stressful situations.

Kava Kava - Calms the body and relieves depression.

* Important note: The recommended doses are for those over age 18. It is recommended that you seek the advice of a qualified healthcare practitioner prior to using any alternative therapies. Always check herb and vitamin use with your child’s health care practitioner prior to administering them.