MANIC DEPRESSION
This is a psychosis that is characterized by extreme mood swings. The typical manic-depressive individual will go from a period of unrealistic enthusiasm and elation to misery and the depths of depression. When he is in the depressive stage, he will demonstrate low self- esteem and have feelings of hopelessness. He will lack motivation to do anything, even to get out of bed. Some people in this stage sleep for weeks. They withdraw from social activities, avoid relationships with others, and are unable to work.
THE MANIC STAGE
When in the manic stage, the manic-depressive individual will have what seems to be boundless energy. He will not want to rest or sleep for twenty-four hours or more.
The periods of mania start suddenly and without warning. They appear for no known reason and worsen rapidly. Some patients have these attacks frequently, and others have years between occurrences. Most people who suffer from this disorder seem relatively normal between stages. Approximately 3 percent of the population of the United States suffers from this disorder.
SYMPTOMS OF MANIC-DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
Some of the symptoms of manic-depressive disorder are changes in sleep pattern, withdrawal from society, extreme pessimism, failure to finish projects that were started with enthusiasm, chronic irritability, sudden attacks of rage, and lack of inhibition, especially in sexual behavior.
CAUSES OF MANIC-DEPRESSIVE DISORDER
There are several theories for the causes of this disorder. It may be triggered by extreme stress. Some researchers believe that early experiences, such as the loss of a parent or other early childhood trauma, play an important role in its cause. There is also evidence of increased concentration of intracellular sodium during these mood swings, which returns to normal after recovery. In the depressed individual, mono-amines are depleted in the brain.
RECOMMENDATIONS
- The patient should have no sugar or its by-products (read labels!). Dairy products, alcohol, soda, and caffeine should not be taken by persons with this disorder. Avoid foods with added chemicals, additives, or food colorings.
- The diet should consist of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes. Whole grains are
recommended, but avoid excessive consumption of bread..
- High doses of B-complex vitamins are needed because the manic-depressive does not absorb the B complex easily.
CONSIDERATIONS
- The New England journal of Medicine (1984) reported that individuals with depression and manic depression appear to be hypersensitive to acetyl-choline, a chemical that carries messages to the brain. Therefore, choline should not be taken in a dose that exceeds the amount in a multiple vitamin.
- The journal of Orthomolecular Psychiatry (1979) reported that manic depressives had deficiencies of the B-complex vitamins and that improvement in their conditions occurred with BI2 injections and megadoses of the B vitamins. The B vitamins have a lithium-like effect on the brain. The trace metal lithium is known to alter the period of the rhythmic cycling and helps the manic depressive.
- The high doses used in lithium treatment may include the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, tremors, kidney dysfunction, and thyroid enlargement.
- Amino acids are important in the treatment of this disorder, especially taurine and tyrosine.
- Certain foods may trigger an attack.
NOTE:
- For additional information on Nutrients and suggested Supplements, refer to Prescription for Nutritional Healing, James F. Balch, M.D., Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C., 1990.
10 DAYS LIFESTYLE PROGRAM FOR DEPRESSION AND EVERYDAY STRESS, PAGE 2 |
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