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Amino Acids & Bipolar Disorder
Amino acids are the principal building blocks of proteins and enzymes. Proteins play a crucial role in virtually all biological processes in the body, including the body's metabolism, muscle contraction, immune protection, and the transmission of nerve impulses. Certain amino acids can be made by the body and are called non-essential amino acids. However, the essential amino acids cannot be made and so they must be supplied in the diet.
Many people suffering from bipolar disorder or other forms of mental illness have been shown to have low levels of certain amino acids. Some of these amino acids are important in the production of neurotransmitters, while others play a role in determining how neurotransmitters function.
GABA is an important and abundant amino acid that serves as an inhibitory neurotransmitter to block the transmission of an impulse from one cell to another in the central nervous system. Some research has shown GABA to be depleted in those suffering from both mania and depression. It appears to calm the brain and keep it from going into overdrive, which makes it a good sleep aid. Taking a supplement of GABA has shown to be helpful in treating bipolar mania, anxiety, and some cases of depression. Some people taking GABA have experienced mild tingling in the face and neck.
Benzodiazepines such as Xanax and Klonopin decrease anxiety and promote sleep by increasing the effects of GABA in the brain.
Tyrosine is a non-essential amino acid that stimulates production of norepinephrine and transmits nerve impulses to the brain. It eases the symptoms of depression and improves memory, mental alertness, and function of the thyroid. Tyrosine is also considered to be a mild antioxidant, and research shows it acts as an adaptogen - helping the body adapt to and cope with stress. Tyrosine is synthesized in the body from phenylalanine. Vitamin B6, folic acid, and copper are needed for conversion to neurotransmitters.
This essential amino acid acts as a precursor to norepinephrine, helps ease bipolar depression and fatigue, and improves memory. Roughly fifty percent of phenylalanine is converted to tyrosine in the liver. Too much phenylalanine can cause agitation, irritability, headache, and high blood pressure, and should be avoided in those with a history of hyperthyroidism, high blood pressure, or melanoma.
Tuarine is a non-essential amino acid useful in treating bipolar mania. It suppresses the release of norepinephrine and dopamine and helps stabilize excitability of the membranes in the nervous system. It is effective at reducing hyperactivity and anxiety, and works well as a mild sedative.
SAM-e is found in every living cell of the body and is often an effective treatment for depression without the side effects of prescription antidepressant medications. It works as a mood enhancer by increasing the action of certain neurotransmitters, including dopamine and serotonin, in the brain. It also improves receptor function, and has been shown to ease anxiety, another common problem for those with bipolar disorder. SAM-e helps maintain cartilage and protect joints (and may reduce inflammation and pain), and improves the liver by moving bile to the gastrointestinal tract.
SAM-e has been studied extensively around the world in over 100 trials, but it is not currently marketed as a drug in the United States. SAM-e should not be taken with MAOI's or other antidepressant medications.
5-HTP is an amino acid that is the intermediate step between tryptophan and serotonin. It is believed that its ability to balance the mood in bipolar patients, reduce the severity of migraines, and reduce appetite and aggression is due to the fact that it raises serotonin levels in the brain like many prescription antidepressant medications.
5-HTP is also thought to be useful in treating other conditions including fibromyalgia, bulimia, obesity, insomnia, and PMS.
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This Site Updated 04/09/11
