I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder about 10 years ago. 3 years ago a gastroenterologist found that I have celiac disease. After changing my diet and eliminating gluten (a protein in wheat, rye and barley), as well as casein (milk protein), I quickly recovered my old normal self. My moods regulated, I began sleeping a regular schedule, anxiety went away and the depression I'd been feeling for several years dissapeared. Within 6 months of adjusting my dietary needs and introducing basic multi vitamins and magnesium into my routine, I was able to safely eliminate the 3 medications I'd been on for several years. My psychiatrist was enthusiastic and very happy to see such a miraculous change in someone she'd decided could probably never really get well. My therapist has begun writing an article he hopes can be published in the American Psychological Association's magazine document the transformation. If it wasn't for that great gut doctor, an understanding and supportive therapist, and a smart psychiatrist, my diagnosis would never have been changed to what it is today: celiac disease. For information on celiac disease and gluten intolerance, check out the forum at Harvard's BrainTalk community board http://brain.hastypastry.net/forums/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=-1&f=141 and www.celiac.com
There are several medical conditions besides celiac disease than can cause symptoms that look like bipolar disorder, a contentious diagnosis not yet scientifically proven to be a valid disease. Anything from phorphyria and pyroluria (genetic metabolic diseases), to vitamin deficiencies, vascular irregularities, temporal lobe epilepsy, forgotten head trauma, latent lyme disease, various viral and bacterial infections, to bad reactions to medications or street drugs. There are also many people with food and dye, and caffein allergies that when exposed chronically, could have a genetic tendency to present with symptoms similar to those of bipolar disorder. There's also an issue with thimerosal (mercury) preservative in the 30 childhood vaccines that can present as mercury poisoning in children and young adults. Mercury poisoning is very similar in presentation to the symptoms described in the diagnosis of bipolar disorder.
For additional information you should check out the Safe Harbor website at www.alternativementalhealth.com You could also look around on Northampton, Massachussetts support group website www.freedom-center.org where they have several links to support organizations and complementary and alternative resources.
And remember: Never abruptly stop taking psychiatric medications you've been on for longer than 4 weeks. Always work with your doctor and therapist in trying to get off of medications safely. Educate yourself as to the benefits and potential dangerous side effects of all medications.
God bless you all in your wellness....Antoine
For additional information on medications, you should take a look at these websites:
www.paxilprogress.org
www.benzo.org.uk
http://www.bipolarodyssey.com/index.htm
http://chaada.org/
http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com
www.psychrights.org
(Original Air Date: 03/07/06) Dr. Phil explores the ups and downs of bipolar disorder. This illness takes its victims on an emotional rollercoaster ride -- from elation to extreme irritability, intense rage, or devastating depression. First, Cathy was diagnosed with Bipolar II, 10 years ago and claims she goes from zero to psycho in 15 seconds. Dr. Phil takes a look at the toll her disorder takes on her two boys, and brings the family together for a dramatic moment of emotional healing. Then, during various manic episodes, Fred has stolen a taxi, crashed into a Starbucks, and climbed to the top of a church. He hears voices and believes that movie stars like Denzel Washington and Robert De Niro are talking to him through their movies. Still, Fred thinks he’s ready to move out of his parents’ house and live on his own for good … but should his family let him? Talk about the show here.
