Rapid Cycling Bipolar Versus Pyrrole Disorder: One specific phenotype of bipolar disorder is commonly caused by an underlying severe oxidative stress imbalance. This is due to the presence of kryptopyrrole disorder, which is commonly called pyroluria or pyrrole disorder. If this condition is present it means that stress will cause the depletion of various vital nutrients. Deficiencies in these nutrients will affect mood and behavior.
What Does Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder Look Like?
Rising and falling stress levels in folks with pyrrole disorder will result in chemical imbalances that cause unpredictable changes in mood in very short periods of time. Patients with this condition are moody and have issues with coping, periods of debilitating depression, and then moments of euphoria and happiness. These mood swings for pyrrole disorder patients diagnosed with rapid cycling bipolar disorder seem to move in uncontrollable waves over a short space of time.
Outcomes of Nutrient Therapy for Bipolar Disorder Patients:
In an open-label study conducted through the Walsh Research Institute, 74% of patients treated long-term with individualized nutrient therapy for bipolar disorder reported 74% improvement and ability for reduction or elimination of their previously prescribed psychiatric medications. Our Mensah Medical clinical outcomes of nutrient therapy in people with bipolar disorder show a substantial improvement in symptomatology within three to six months of treatment, or phase one. This echoes the Walsh Research Institute outcomes.
Weaning from Prescription Medication for Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder:
Severe bipolar patient medication can possibly be reduced after the end of phase 1, and reduced again after phase 2. Nutrients (vitamins, minerals, and amino acids) are important for neurotransmitter synthesis and re-uptake processes, and antioxidants can help in the protection of brain health. Individualized nutrient therapy that normalizes brain chemistry.
Antidepressants such as Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft have not been shown to treat the depression symptoms of rapid cycling bipolar disorder. Some research shows they may even increase the frequency of new episodes over time. Many psychiatrists, therefore, advise against the use of antidepressants (especially long-term) patients with rapid cycling bipolar disorder. Instead, psychiatrists typically choose mood stabilizers such as lithium (Li) and valproic acid (VPA) as pharmaceutical agents for both the depressed and manic phases of bipolar disorder.
The greatest risk for an individual with bipolar disorder diagnosis is suicide. Please seek help as soon as possible if you are suffering from symptoms of this condition.
To learn more about Pyrrole disorder, view a downloadable PDF on the Facts and Myths about Pyrrole Disorder.
Albert Mensah, MD
As a physician in this specialized field since 2005, Dr. Mensah, board certified in integrative pediatrics by the American Association of Integrative Medicine, has treated over 3,000 patients with advanced targeted nutrient therapy. He serves on the board at Walsh Research Institute and serves as a clinical instructor for WRI’s international doctor training programs around the world. Dr. Albert Mensah received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University (Evanston, Illinois) and his medical degree from Finch University of Health Sciences-Chicago Medical School. Dr. Mensah’s residency was in Family Medicine at Swedish Covenant Hospital (Chicago). Following residency, he completed additional fellowship training in academic development at JHS Cook County Hospital (Chicago). From 2005 to 2008, Dr. Mensah treated patients at the former Pfeiffer Treatment Center, a not-for-profit organization and outpatient clinic specializing in the treatment of biochemical imbalances including children with autism. Prior to joining Pfeiffer, Dr. Mensah was a physician at Melrose Park Clinic in Illinois. Dr. Mensah co-founded Mensah Medical in 2008 with Dr. Judith Bowman.