Homeopathic Solutions for Bipolar Disorder

Tara Peyman, ND

1250 E. Baseline Rd., Ste. 104 Tempe, AZ 85283 phone: (480) 456-0402

Tips for Tapering Off Antidepressants

(0)

Saturday, October 08, 2011

Tips for Tapering Off Antidepressants

By Tara Peyman, ND

When it comes to treating depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders, the best course of action is to address the underlying cause. You may just want to take a pill that covers up your symptoms, but if you prefer to get to the root of the problem and treat it naturally, there are many options that are safe, effective, and affordable. Many people find that their doctor is quick to prescribe antidepressants or anxiety medications, but it can be difficult to know where to turn if you ever want to taper off.

An important first step is to talk with your doctor about your goals. Write down your questions before your office visit, and make sure you get answers and feel heard. If you are working with a doctor who is unwilling to discuss alternatives to medications, there are licensed naturopathic physicians who are trained in an integrative approach to treating mood disorders.

In preparation for safely tapering off medications, certain lifestyle changes can help. Some people find that regular exercise alone can dramatically improve their mood, regulate sleep, and balance energy. A diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains, omega-3 oils, and lean protein will benefit your overall health, as well as your mental well-being, by providing your body and brain with the nutrients you need every day.

If lifestyle changes are not enough, one of the safest ways to replace the need for prescriptions drugs is to find an effective homeopathic medicine that is individually selected for you. This medicine can be a powerful tool to address the deeper cause of your symptoms, and assist in the taper process. Homeopathic remedies are made from natural sources, such as plants or minerals. Each single homeopathic remedy can treat a very specific set of symptoms. There are hundreds of homeopathic remedies for treating depression and anxiety, and each person may need a different medicine, based on the unique characteristics of their case.

There are no side effects from homeopathic medicine, and it does not interact with conventional drugs, so it is possible to begin homeopathic treatment while still taking prescriptions. It is a safe choice for women during pregnancy or nursing, and is often very effective for women with post-partum depression. Homeopathy is very valuable for treating children or adolescents with behavioral or mood disorders, especially because of the increased risk of suicide associated with conventional antidepressant medications in adolescents.

In cases of anxiety or depression, your body has the ability to correct underlying hormonal or chemical imbalances so that mood can be normalized; sometimes, however, we can forget how to rebalance and become stuck in a state of chronic depression or anxiety. Homeopathic medicine reminds your body of how it can heal naturally, by giving you a boost in the right direction to promote hormonal and chemical balance. Most people see positive results from homeopathic medicine within a few days to a few weeks of starting treatment. With improved chemical balance, conventional drugs are less necessary, and can be tapered. This may require the assistance of a naturopathic doctor who understands how to safely taper medications while providing natural alternatives.

--Dr. Tara Peyman is a licensed naturopathic physician with an expertise in the integrative treatment of bipolar disorder and mental illness. She practices in the Phoenix area, at Arizona Natural Health Center (480-456-0402). AZNaturalHealth.com

flag

Does Lithium Cause Hypothyroidism?

(0)

Thursday, August 25, 2011

LITHIUM SIDE EFFECTS: WEIGHT GAIN AND FATIGUE MAY BE HORMONAL

By Tara Peyman, ND

Lithium is one of the most commonly prescribed medications for bipolar disorder. It can be helpful for improving mood stability and reducing symptoms of mania. However, there are some risks and side effects that come with this medication.

A frequent side effect of lithium is weight gain. After taking lithium for a period of time, it causes changes in your metabolism. It can decrease your production of thyroid hormones, and therefore cause hypothyroidism. This is a well-known side effect, however, not all doctors will test and treat this in the way that a naturopathic physician will. I am interested in helping my patients to prevent problems before they start, so I tend to have a more proactive approach when it comes to managing this potential problem.

Hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormones) is a condition that occurs commonly already, especially in women. Approximately 20% of women have hypothyroidism, and this number goes up with age. Taking lithium increases the chances of developing hypothyroidism, which can then cause symptoms of weight gain, fatigue, depression, dry skin and hair, constipation and digestive discomfort, difficulty concentrating, menstrual irregularities, and several other symptoms.

I have treated many patients who are taking lithium and have undiagnosed hypothyroidism. I always test for proper thyroid balance with all of my patients with mood disorders, but especially people taking lithium. If thyroid hormones are low, the first step in improving this situation is to start thyroid replacement hormones to balance your thyroid levels. Symptoms of hypothyroidism usually will start to improve within a few days of starting the replacement hormones. For some people, their levels may be off only slightly, and they may not need to add thyroid hormones right away. Sometimes we can make other adjustments to their naturopathic protocol, retest their thyroid hormones, and find that the levels have improved.

I also always start treatment with homeopathic medicine for each of my patients. This can replace the need for lithium, by providing better mood stability naturally. With a healthier mood, lithium can then be tapered and discontinued for most of my patients, without a problem. This is particularly true of people with bipolar II, or less severe cases of bipolar I. If lithium is tapered or discontinued, sometimes the thyroid comes back to normal functioning, and thyroid replacement medication is no longer necessary.

Homeopathic treatment is very individualized. There is one best homeopathic match for your symptoms at any given time. These remedies are made into a solution from a single natural source like a plant or mineral, and then that solution is used to coat small sublingual pills, which are typically taken once or twice per day. Each homeopathic remedy can treat a specific set of symptoms that are unique. We find the perfect homeopathic medicine for your case, depending on your symptoms and your health story. With homeopathic treatment over time, we see excellent results in terms of helping our patients lead happier, healthier lives.

Dr. Tara Peyman is a board-licensed naturopathic physician with an expertise in the homeopathic treatment of bipolar disorder and mental illness. Call for your comprehensive initial visit or a free 15 minute phone consult: 480-456-0402. http://www.drtarapeyman.com.

flag

Pediatric Bipolar Disorder: Safe, Homeopathic Medicine for Your Child

(0)

Friday, August 20, 2010

by Tara Peyman, ND

Increasingly, young children are being diagnosed with bipolar disorder. Most of these children do not have symptoms that are consistent with adult bipolar symptoms (distinct depressive episodes alternating with manic episodes), but rather they have "rages" or temper tantrums. Uncontrolled mood swings with violent behavior is typical in these cases. In the upcoming years, most of these children will most likely be diagnosed with Temper Dysregulation Disorder with Dysphoria, a new diagnosis that is actually much more specific and accurate for this type of psychological disorder. This diagnosis is one of the updates that are being made to the fifth edition of the diagnostic manual for psychiatric conditions which will be published in the next few years.

Until then, children displaying this behavior will continue to be diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and prescribed anti-psychotic medications that have not been extensively studied in children.

There is a safe and natural alternative to these medications. It is called homeopathic medicine.

Homeopathy is a natural form of medicine that works with the body to restore balance and health. There are thousands of different homeopathic remedies, and each one is made from its own natural source, such as a plant or mineral. Each one of these homeopathic remedies can be used to treat a specific set of symptoms, and the prescription is individualized to every case. So, each child who presents with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder may receive a different homeopathic remedy.

Homeopathic medicine is very safe, and because it works with the body rather than trying to suppress the symptoms, it does not cause side effects. The medicine acts as a reminder to the body to bring things into balance. It does not add anything to the system or take anything away; it modulates things so that everything simply works better.

Usually homeopathic remedies come in the form of small sublingual pills that taste sweet, and are typically taken daily. Some people only need a dose as needed when symptoms arise. Over time, the homeopathic medicine may be changed and adjusted based on the child's response, and also based on any new symptoms that may come up.

Homeopathic medicine works very well for a wide variety of conditions, and for people of all ages. It can be used safely during pregnancy and nursing, and even for infants with colic or teething pain, for example. Most people feel better within a few days to a few weeks of taking the correct homeopathic medicine. Often in children or adults with bipolar disorder or other anxiety disorders, the effects of the homeopathic medicine can be noticed within hours. The amount of time needed to fully recover and reach a state of remission will depend on several factors, including the amount of time the person has been sick, so each case is unique. Because homeopathy can actually help to restore real balance, the patient may be able to use this type of medicine for a period of time, and then not need to take anything, unless some difficult stress brings on new symptoms.

There are no interactions with prescription medications and homeopathy, so we can start a patient on a homeopathic protocol while he or she is still taking medications, and then taper the prescriptions down safely over time. The goal with this treatment is to help improve overall health and stability, so that the person can live their life to the fullest.

Dr. Tara Peyman is a board-licensed naturopathic physician with an expertise in treating bipolar disorder and depression with homeopathic medicine. She has also developed natural treatment programs for diabetes and smoking cessation. Call for your comprehensive initial visit or a complimentary 15 minute phone consult: Tempe, Arizona: (480) 456-0402 or Mesa, Arizona: (480) 985-0000. Visit www.DrTaraPeyman.com for more information.

flag

Do You Have Bipolar Disorder?

(0)

Friday, August 20, 2010

BIPOLAR DISORDER (MANIC DEPRESSION)

Bipolar disorder involves cyclical periods of depression and mania. This is why it is called bipolar disorder, meaning that the person has mood swings from one extreme (depression) to its polar opposite (mania). People with depression alone can have mood swings, irritability, or changes in energy; it is important to distinguish mood swings from a manic episode.

Symptoms of mania include:
Increased energy
Inflated self-esteem
Decreased need for sleep
Impulsive, risky behavior
Excessive, rapid speech
Inability to concentrate with racing thoughts
Restlessness and extreme irritability
Excessive time spent in social or work activities

In a classic presentation of bipolar disorder, the depression symptoms last at least 2 weeks, and the mania lasts at least 4 days. Some people have much more rapid cycles, with mood episodes that fluctuate quickly between mania and depression. Some people have mixed states of depression with manic symptoms. It is important to establish a proper diagnosis for your mood disorder, because this can effect treatment protocols.

Because of the increased energy and inflated self-esteem, most people with bipolar disorder often actually enjoy the manic periods, because it is such a change from feeling depressed. However, the impulsive, risky behavior can be very detrimental to a person’s safety and well-being. These behaviors can include gambling all of one’s savings, purchasing expensive items that one cannot afford, or engaging in sexual promiscuity. Some people with mania may not sleep for 3-4 days at a time, and can forget to eat or take care of themselves. They may work all day and night for days, or constantly go out to try to meet new people, to the point that it damages their health.

There are different types of bipolar disorder. Bipolar I involves cycles of depression and severe manic episodes. Bipolar II involves cycles of depression and hypomania (symptoms similar to mania but less intense or of a shorter duration). The diagnosis of bipolar disorder is based on your symptoms, so your doctor will ask you questions to determine whether this condition affects you. Tests may be performed to rule out other causes of your symptoms. Once underlying causes are ruled out, we can then proceed to natural treatments to stabilize your moods.

Dr. Tara Peyman is a board-licensed naturopathic physician with an expertise in treating bipolar disorder and depression with homeopathic medicine. She has also developed natural treatment programs for diabetes and smoking cessation. Call for your comprehensive initial visit or a complimentary 15 minute phone consult: Tempe, Arizona: (480) 456-0402 or Mesa, Arizona: (480) 985-0000. Visit www.DrTaraPeyman.comfor more information.

flag

Preventing Diabetes: Are You At Risk?

(0)

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Diabetes is on the rise in the United States. In June 2008, the total number of Americans living with diabetes increased to nearly 24 million. This is a jump of more than 3 million people in two years, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention.

In addition to the number of people diagnosed with diabetes, there are approximately 57 million people in the United States with pre-diabetes. This condition causes an increased risk for developing diabetes, and often these people do not even know about their risk. Pre-diabetes involves difficulty regulating blood sugar, with mild glucose elevations beyond the normal levels, but not at diabetic ranges. For people with pre-diabetes, the hormones that control blood sugar will often be out of balance. Insulin is one of these hormones; it helps to bring glucose out of the blood and into the cells to be used for energy. In people with pre-diabetes, insulin often has difficulty bringing blood sugar into the cells, a condition called insulin resistance. This will then lead to elevations of blood glucose, which can develop into diabetes.

Warning signs of diabetes include fatigue, increased thirst, increased hunger, tingling or numbness of hands or feet, and blurred vision. People with type I diabetes have insufficient insulin production; this type of diabetes usually begins in childhood, and will typically cause weight loss. Type II diabetics will have weight gain due to increased fat conversion from sugar, and decreased fat breakdown as a result of elevated insulin.

Because of the increase in diabetes prevalence, the American Diabetes Association (ADA) has recently released new recommendations for the prevention of diabetes. The ADA now advises that all overweight people over the age of 45 should be screened for diabetes. People with two or more risk factors for diabetes should be tested for this disease, regardless of whether the person has symptoms of diabetes. The American Academy of Family Physicians recommends that people with high cholesterol and high blood pressure are screened for type 2 diabetes as well.

Diabetes risk factors include obesity, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, a sedentary lifestyle, and a family history of diabetes. Obesity centralized around the abdomen is associated with elevated risk of diabetes. Women who have had gestational diabetes have about a 40% chance of developing diabetes after the pregnancy. There also is a genetic association with diabetes for people of Native American, Hispanic, or African American decent. People also have greater risk as they age, with increased occurrence of diabetes after the age of 60.

A few basic lifestyle changes can significantly impact your diabetes risk. In a study by the National Institutes of Health, 3,234 people with pre-diabetes were given either metformin, or specific dietary and exercise recommendations. The people in the diet and exercise group lost an average of 15 pounds, and reduced their risk of diabetes by 58%. The metformin group had a reduced risk of 31%. So a specific diet and exercise protocol alone can reduce your risk by almost twice as much as medications!

You can reduce your risk of diabetes by following these guidelines:
Limit dietary consumption of refined sugar, white flour, pasta, and processed foods.
Exercise regularly, optimally for at least 30 minutes per day.
Eat a high fiber breakfast with at least 20 grams of protein, to boost your metabolism and stabilize your blood sugar throughout the day (example: a hard boiled egg, and a protein shake with ground flax seed).
Include 30-40 grams of fiber in your daily diet, preferably from leafy green vegetables and whole grains; supplement with flax seed, oat bran, or acacia fiber.
Get a diabetes screen from your doctor including cholesterol testing and a blood pressure check; if you are overweight but have not had high blood sugar on previous tests, ask for a pre-diabetes screen of insulin resistance and glucose tolerance.

If these recommendations for reducing your risk of diabetes seem overwhelming, start with one change at a time and commit to that change until it becomes a normal part of your lifestyle. Work with your doctor to determine the most effective way to reduce your risk and improve your overall health. Your doctor can be an advocate and a coach in helping you to achieve your health goals.

More Natural Diabetes & Weight Loss Options Dr. Tara Peyman is a board-licensed naturopathic physician with an expertise in treating bipolar disorder and depression. She has also developed natural treatment programs for diabetes and smoking cessation. Call for your comprehensive initial visit or a complimentary 15 minute phone consult: Tempe, Arizona: (480) 456-0402 or Mesa, Arizona: (480) 985-0000. Visit www.DrTaraPeyman.com for more information.

References:
ADA Updates Diabetes Care Standards: Recommendations Reflect 'Aggressive Approach,' Says FP Expert. Bittner, Barbara. AAFP News Now. 12 Feb 2008. Am I at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes?
Taking Steps to Lower Your Risk of Getting Diabetes. NIH Publication No. 07–4805. Dec 2006.
Number of People with Diabetes Increases to 24 Million. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Department of Health and Human Services. 24 June 2008.

flag

Are You Fatigued? Your Adrenal Hormones May Be a Cause

(0)

Thursday, August 05, 2010

Your adrenal glands are located above your kidneys, and are responsible for producing hormones to control stress, blood pressure, and reproduction.

If you are under significant stress for an extended period of time (more than a week), your adrenal glands can start to have difficulty producing enough of the hormones that control stress. This is called adrenal fatigue, which can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression , or fatigue. Over time, adrenal stress can also cause weight gain, blood sugar imbalances, and insomnia.

Your adrenal glands need to produce a certain amount of cortisol and DHEA in order to maintain good energy and healthy weight. We can test your adrenal function with either a blood sample, or a saliva test.The saliva test is a kit that you bring home with you, and you take 4 saliva samples throughout the day. Then you drop the kit in the mail, and the results are sent back to our office for review. The saliva test gives us 4 different cortisol readings, plus DHEA, and your DHEA to cortisol ratio. This is helpful for determining the extent of adrenal stress, and gives us a clear idea of which adrenal support supplements are right for you.

The endocrine (hormone) system in your body is very interconnected. If your adrenal glands are not functioning properly, it can be very difficult to maintain healthy hormone balance in the rest of your body.Adrenal stress can make it harder for your thyroid gland to work well, and can also put added stress on your reproductive glands. For women going through menopause, or men with low testosterone, adrenal testing can be very helpful.As a woman transitions into menopause, her adrenal glands will take over for your ovaries in the production of estrogen and progesterone. Testosterone is also produced with the help of the adrenal glands. If your adrenal glands are not functioning at their best, symptoms can occur including low libido, poor energy, or menopausal symptoms in women. For people with poor thyroid function, supporting the adrenal glands can take a burden off of your thyroid, and promote better energy and weight loss.

As a naturopathic doctor, I often recommend adrenal support supplements that are made from vitamins and herbs. This is almost always used in conjunction with individualized homeopathic treatment. These natural supplements are non-addictive, and you are likely to need less of them over time, as your adrenal function is restored.

--Tara Peyman is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in the state of Arizona. She has an expertise in treating bipolar disorder and mental illness with homeopathic medicine. Dr. Peyman has also developed comprehensive, naturopathic programs for weight loss, diabetes and smoking cessation. She practices at East Valley Naturopathic Doctors in Mesa (480.985.0000) and in Tempe (480.456.0402). Visit www.DrTaraPeyman.com for more information.

flag

Testing for Bipolar Disorder: Is Neurotransmitter Testing Helpful?

(0)

Thursday, August 05, 2010

NEUROTRANSMITTER TESTING

by Dr. Tara Peyman.

Neurotransmitters are chemical messengers in the body, such as serotonin and dopamine. Urinary neurotransmitter testing represents peripheral (body) levels of these chemicals, and is not correlated with brain levels of neurotransmitters. The reason for this is that there is a barrier between the body and the brain that keeps chemicals separate. This is the primary reason that I do not use neurotransmitter testing for my patients. Some physicians attempt to make clinical correlations between peripheral and brain levels, assuming that if urinary serotonin is low, your brain serotonin might also be low, which could contribute to depression. This is simply an assumption and is not necessarily true. I find other testing to be much more reliable and helpful for long-term success in symptom reduction.

I use thyroid testing, blood counts, nutrient deficiency testing, blood sugar testing, hormone testing, and organic acid testing to rule out underlying physical causes or aggravating factors of mood disorders.

The use of neurotransmitter testing also makes the flawed assumption that neurotransmitters have a causative relationship to mood disorders. Research has shown plenty of correlations between neurotransmitter activity in certain parts of the brain and specific mental illnesses. However, we are not sure whether these correlations represent a cause or an effect. There may be increased dopamine activity in the brains of some patients with schizophrenia, but we do not know that dopamine itself is the cause of schizophrenic symptoms.

As an analogy, you are a lot more likely to see people carrying umbrellas on a rainy day, but the rain is not created by the umbrellas. Looking for high or low levels of a certain neurotransmitter as a cause of mental illness is like assuming that the umbrellas are causing the rain. The fluctuation of neurotransmitters is more likely a result rather than a cause, and the actual cause is far more complex than that. Studies of brain levels of serotonin from a non-depressed patient versus a depressed patient can be exactly the same. Serotonin is also produced in much higher levels in the digestive tract than in the brain, and so urine levels of serotonin are perhaps more helpful in the assessment of intestinal disorders than mood disorders. Neurotransmitter levels are often completely irrelevant in the attempt to find potential treatments for mood disorders, and this testing is therefore a disservice to patients and doctors.

Mood disorders are complex and specific to each individual, and cannot be reduced to a simple neurotransmitter dysfunction or deficiency. It may be tempting to assume that your depression or bipolar disorder is just because of a chemical imbalance. The truth is that it is not that simple. Our mental and physical health is dynamic, and must be treated as such. This is one of the reasons that homeopathic medicine works so well to treat mental health disorders, because homeopathy can actually correct the underlying dynamic imbalance, which a neurotransmitter supplement or antidepressant medication cannot do.

Dr. Tara Peyman is a board-licensed naturopathic physician with an expertise in treating bipolar disorder and depression. She has also developed natural treatment programs for diabetes and smoking cessation. Call for your comprehensive initial visit or a complimentary 15 minute phone consult: Tempe, Arizona: (480) 456-0402 or Mesa, Arizona: (480) 985-0000. Visitwww.DrTaraPeyman.com for more information.

flag

D is for Depression

(0)

Tuesday, July 06, 2010

by Tara Peyman, ND

Most people are aware that vitamin D is important for bone health. Research is also always emerging confirming the importance of vitamin D for prevention of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and a variety of other diseases. However, recent studies have shown that vitamin D deficiency may increase your risk of depression as well.

Vitamin D is actually a hormone that you create in your skin from exposure to the sun. Vitamin D is then activated in the liver and kidneys. You can also take in vitamin D from certain foods, including fish and eggs. Vitamin D is one of the vitamins that can be stored in the body, along with vitamins A, E, and K. Vitamin D supplementation can be very useful for improving stores, in the form of liquid drops or capsules.

The association between low vitamin D levels and depression is particularly strong in people over the age of 60, and people who live in areas with fewer sunny days. Some people with depression have seasonal affective disorder, which involves fluctuations of mood with the change of weather or seasons. If a person is already deficient in vitamin D, lack of exposure to the sun only worsens vitamin D deficiency, which can in turn exacerbate depression.

It is important to have your vitamin D levels tested by your doctor. This is done with a simple blood test. "Normal" levels are between 30-100 ng/mL, however, a level below 60 ng/mL is suboptimal. If your levels are below 60 ng/mL, you may consider supplementation to increase your vitamin D stores to prevent illness. $0$0If you have depression or another chronic illness, and you have low or suboptimal vitamin D levels, you may benefit from vitamin D supplementation as a part of your homeopathic or conventional treatment regimen.

References:
[1] Vitamin D deficiency associated with depression: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20595420
[2] Low vitamin D increases risk of depression and cardiovascular disease: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20569717
[3] Vitamin D deficiency associated with chronic pain: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20498201

--Tara Peyman is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in the state of Arizona. She has an expertise in treating bipolar disorder and depression with natural medicine. Dr. Peyman has also developed comprehensive, naturopathic programs for weight loss, diabetes and smoking cessation. She practices at East Valley Naturopathic Doctors in Mesa (480.985.0000) and in Tempe (480.456.0402). Call for a free 15-minute consultation, or visit www.DrTaraPeyman.com for more information.

flag

The Bipolar Diet: How Your Food Can Be Your Medicine

(0)

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

By Tara Peyman, ND

For people with bipolar disorder, one of the most important factors in stabilizing healthy mood and energy is balanced nutrition and a healthy lifestyle. There are a few key nutrients that can be particularly important for people with bipolar or depression. Many patients with mild to moderate depression or bipolar disorder can significantly reduce symptoms with diet and exercise alone.

Following these few simple steps can encourage better control of moods and healthier energy balance:

1. Regularly Scheduled Meals. Often people with bipolar disorder or mental illness will skip meals, forget to eat, or overeat even if they are not hungry. Eat a nutritious meal three times daily on a regular schedule, even if you do not feel hungry. Stop eating when you are actually full. Pay attention to cues from your body or mind that tell you your blood sugar might be low, such as light-headedness, weakness, or irritability. Keeping your blood sugar balanced can support stability of moods and energy.

2. Omega 3 Oils. Fish oil, flax oil, and other omega 3 oils have been particularly helpful in reducing symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder in some patients. Dosages depend on the individual case, but often higher doses provide better results. Omega-3 oils can also assist in cholesterol balance, heart health, skin health, and many other concerns.

3. B-vitamins. It is important to consume foods that are rich in B vitamins every day, such as fresh fruit, green vegetables, and whole grains. B vitamins are utilized quickly by the body and cannot be stored, so regular consumption of fresh whole foods is vital to keep your B vitamin status sufficient. A B complex or high-potency multivitamin supplement can be used to increase vitamin status as well. B vitamins are important for the general population, but especially for people with mood disorders, because B vitamins are utilized in the body and brain for energy production and mood stability.

A healthy diet with a balance of protein, vegetables, and whole grains can be essential in the recovery from bipolar disorder. For people with mental illness, taking care of yourself is not always easy, but a few simple steps can make a huge difference. Once you make one change, it can be a motivating force to spark new positive changes in diet, exercise, and other aspects of your life.

The above recommendations must not replace the advice of a personal physician. Always consult a physician before making any changes to supplements or medications, to ensure your health and safety.

--
Tara Peyman is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor in the Phoenix, Arizona area. She has an expertise in the homeopathic and integrative treatment of bipolar disorder and mental illness. She has also developed comprehensive, naturopathic programs for weight loss, diabetes and smoking cessation. She practices at East Valley Naturopathic Doctors in Mesa, AZ (480.985.0000) and in Tempe, AZ (480.456.0402). www.DrTaraPeyman.com.

flag

Naturopathic Testing for Schizophrenia & Bipolar

(0)

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

For people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, violent anger, ADHD, autism, or behavioral disorders, organic acid testing (OAT) can uncover hidden causes or exacerbating factors of these conditions. This testing can also be helpful for people with persistent depression or anxiety, especially if digestive disorders are associated.

Organic acid testing is a urine test that is run through a specialty lab. This test is covered by Blue Cross PPO insurance only. It measures levels of candida or other yeast markers, bacterial imbalances, metabolic and toxicity markers, vitamin deficiencies, and provides an array of other helpful information.

Another potentially helpful test in some of these cases is urinary heavy metal testing. Certain metals, such as mercury and lead, can be stored in the body over time. Most people have been exposed to some level of toxic metals in their lifetime, but some patients are more susceptible to developing certain diseases because of their environmental exposures. People who may have a tendency toward psychiatric illness may be more likely to progress to a symptomatic state if their levels of these environmental chemicals is high enough.

We can test the patient's current exposure and stored levels of heavy metals, and determine whether this is an aggravating factor in their illness. If so, chelation protocols may include oral or IV treatments over a period of time to remove the metals and restore normal balance to the neurological and immune systems. This testing may be covered or reimbursed by some insurance companies.

Specialty testing can illuminate the specific needs of that patient, and allow for a more individualized treatment approach. This testing can serve as a roadmap for creating a treatment protocol that speeds recovery. Imbalances detected can be treated with specific medications, herbs, heavy metal chelation protocols, or supplements, which can be used for a period of time and then discontinued after symptoms improve. Testing may be repeated after treatments are complete, but usually we can simply monitor symptom progress as a guide for treatment response.

I have seen patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder significantly improve when homeopathic medicine is combined with treatments based on individualized test results. Schizophrenia is still very challenging to treat, and medication is sometimes used in conjunction in severe cases, but with individualized protocols it is possible to reduce and even reverse the symptoms of schizophrenia using natural medicine alone. The most important thing is to be properly diagnosed, and to be persistent with getting help.

Dr. Tara Peyman is a board-licensed naturopathic physician with an expertise in treating bipolar disorder and depression. She has also developed natural treatment programs for diabetes and smoking cessation. Call for your comprehensive initial visit or a complimentary 15 minute phone consult: Tempe, Arizona: (480) 456-0402, or Mesa, Arizona: (480) 985-0000. For more information, please visit www.DrTaraPeyman.com.

flag

123Next ››

Recent Blog Posts