Bipolar Disorder

Sleep normalized completely for the first time since childhood after weaning off Seroquel and switching brain fuel to healthy fats. Bipolar disorder is described as a late-onset condition that usually appears after age 16 and often begins suddenly. The proposed mechanism for bipolar disorder centers on neuronal voltage, ion channels, oxidative stress, and epigenetic changes. Extracellular potassium buildup can reduce neuronal voltage and make neurons hyperactive. Voltage instability affecting serotonin-producing raphe nuclei is proposed as a mechanism for shifting into depression. Lithium is believed to help some bipolar patients by influencing the underlying voltage and ion-channel system. In at least some cases, what presents as psychiatric illness may have metabolic roots addressable through diet. Mood swings and depressive episodes attributed to bipolar disorder may have actually been symptoms of lifelong sugar addiction and metabolic dysfunction. Seroquel raises cholesterol and causes metabolic side effects, potentially worsening the metabolic dysfunction driving the psychiatric symptoms.