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 main types:
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Bipolar Type I: Involves episodes of full mania, which can be severe and require hospitalisation, often alternating with depressive episodes.
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​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 approaches can stabilise mood episodes, many individuals continue to experience residual symptoms, side effects, or cycling. This highlights the importance of identifying underlying biochemical, nutritional, and lifestyle factors that may contribute to mood dysregulation.
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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 take a root-cause, integrative approach to supporting individuals with bipolar disorder, combining extensive training in Integrative Psychiatry with Functional Medicine principles.
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.