Bipolar Disorder
BIPOLAR DISORDER IS A MOOD DISORDER CHARACTERISED BY ALTERNATING EPISODES OF EMOTIONAL HIGHS (MANIA OR HYPOMANIA) AND LOWS (DEPRESSION).
These shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life. Bipolar disorder affects approximately 1-2% of the population, often emerging in late adolescence or early adulthood.
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There are two primary types of bipolar disorder:
Bipolar Type I: Involves episodes of full mania, which can be severe and require hospitalisation, often alternating with depressive episodes.
​Bipolar Type II: A milder form, characterised by hypomania (less intense than mania) and prolonged depressive episodes. Bipolar Type II often goes undiagnosed as the hypomanic episodes may not appear disruptive, yet the condition can still cause significant distress and functional impairment.
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​While conventional treatments can stabilise mood episodes, many individuals continue to experience symptoms, underscoring the importance of addressing root causes and supporting brain health through a more personalised approach. Our care is rooted in Integrative and Nutritional Psychiatry, which complements conventional treatments by addressing biochemical and lifestyle factors that influence mood regulation.
Symptoms
MANIC OR HYPOMANIC EPISODES:
ELEVATED OR IRRITABLE MOOD
INCREASED ENERGY, ACTIVITY, OR RESTLESSNESS
DECREASED NEED FOR SLEEP
IMPULSIVE OR RISKY BEHAVIOUR
RACING THOUGHTS OR RAPID SPEECH
DEPRESSIVE EPISODES:
PERSISTENT SADNESS OR FEELINGS OF EMPTINESS
FATIGUE OR LOSS OF ENERGY
DIFFICULTY CONCENTRATING OR MAKING DECISIONS
CHANGES IN APPETITE OR WEIGHT
FEELINGS OF WORTHLESSNESS OR GUILT
SLEEP DISTURBANCES (INSOMNIA OR OVERSLEEPING)
The conventional approach
Conventional treatment for bipolar disorder often involves mood stabilisers (e.g., lithium, valproate) and antipsychotic medications, alongside talking therapies. These approaches can help manage mood episodes but may not address underlying biochemical imbalances or contributing lifestyle and environmental factors. Medications can act as a vital "lifejacket" to stabilise acute episodes, but exploring upstream causes is essential for long-term stability and improved quality of life.
Our approach
We adopt a root-cause approach to bipolar disorder, recognising that nutrient imbalances, inflammation, gut health, and environmental factors can all influence mood dysregulation. Through a combination of extensive training in Integrative Psychiatry and personalised care, we work to uncover and address these contributing factors. Our approach includes:
SUPPORTING NEUROTRANSMITTER BALANCE
Balancing neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin, while also addressing glutamate excitotoxicity, which is often implicated in bipolar disorder.
INVESTIGATING NUTRIENT DEFICIENCIES
Investigating key nutrient deficiencies, such as magnesium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins, which are critical for neurotransmitter function and mood stability.
SUPPORTING MITOCHONDRIAL HEALTH
Supporting mitochondrial health and energy production, as mitochondrial dysfunction can contribute to mood instability.
SUPPORTING GUT BRAIN AXIS
Addressing gut health and inflammation to support the gut-brain axis, which plays a crucial role in mood regulation.
HORMONAL IMBALANCES
Exploring hormonal imbalances, particularly thyroid and adrenal function, which can influence mood episodes.
DIETARY APPROACHES
Using targeted dietary approaches, such as a ketogenic diet or other specialised nutrition plans, to stabilise mood and reduce inflammation.
PERSONALISED NUTRITION
Developing personalised nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle strategies to support brain health and resilience.
By combining these strategies, we aim to complement conventional treatments and empower individuals to take control of their mental health with a holistic, sustainable approach.
