Diet Link To Bipolar Disorder

Main Category: Bipolar
Also Included In: Mental Health;  Nutrition / Diet
Article Date: 06 May 2011 - 3:00 PDT


New research reveals that there is a link between diet and bi-polar disorder, with sugar, caffeine and a poor diet having a negative effect and increasing the mood swings of sufferers. This comes at a time when there have been reports in the media of a strong increase in the number of people becoming affected by bipolar disorder.

These conclusions are drawn by Evanne Constantine and Wesley Freeman-Smith of Lewisham Counselling and Counsellor Associates, who will present their findings today, Friday 6 May, at the 17th Annual BACP Research Conference. The event, which is co-hosted by the Society for Psychotherapy Research (SPR) UK, takes place at the Liverpool Marriott Hotel City Centre, Liverpool, on 6-7 May 2011.

The study suggests that a strong link exists between nutritional intake and bipolar disorder. A good balanced diet, taking vitamins - specifically Omega 3, Magnesium, Vitamin B - and reducing caffeine and sugar all appear to help in minimising the intensity and frequency of mood swings for bipolar sufferers.

The research also highlighted that there are notable differences in sufferers' eating patterns at the onset of bipolar disorder; a sudden increase/decrease in appetite and/or erratic eating behaviour may occur. It is also suggested that nutritional intake changes in direct correlation with the constraints that the phases of bipolar disorder impose on sufferers.

Evanne Constantine said: "Overall it appears highly apparent that erratic eating patterns/diet and nutritional intake are intrinsically linked to bipolar disorder. Yet, its treatment seldom appears to consider the diets of sufferers. There also appears to be some practitioner stigma attached to assessing the impact this has on the condition because of its perceived association with alternative medicine.

"We suggest that further research is required but that treatment of this disorder may need to be revaluated, because our findings imply that bipolar disordered clients would benefit from nutritional intake awareness and knowledge of the valuable role diet can play in alleviating the condition's symptoms."

Source:
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy

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