Diet, weight affect treatment response in bipolar disorder

◗

Washington, Oct. 7: A new clinical trial has shown that how people respond to treatment for Bipolar Disorder may be influenced by their weight and the overall quality of their diet, including whether they are eating a diet high in foods thought to contribute to general inflammation.

These are early results, but if replicated may mean that treatment of some mental health problems could benefit from the inclusion of dietary advice.

Bipolar Disorder ( which used to be called “manic depression”) is characterised by episodes of mood swings, between being very up or very down with periods in between the two extremes.

The fact that there are two opposite sets of symptoms means that finding an effective treatment is difficult. While current medications are useful, they are better at targeting mania symptoms ( the “up” phase), leaving a lack of effective treatment for people experiencing depressive episodes.

Now a group of Australian, German and American scientists has

Bipolar Disorder ( which used to be called “manic depression”) is characterised by episodes of mood swings, between being very up or very down with periods in between the two extremes shown those who have a high- quality diet, a less inflammatory diet, and/ or a low BMI ( Body Mass Index) may respond better to an add- on nutraceutical treatment provided as part of a clinical trial.

Lead researcher Melanie Ashton said, “If we can confirm these results, then it’s good news for people with Bipolar Disorder, as there is a great need for better treatments for the depressive phase of Bipolar Disorder.”

Researchers measured BMI at the beginning of the study, and then measured depression and how a person is able to function in their day to day life. Researchers also rated whether a participant was improving and, if so, how much, over the next 20 weeks.