Genetic connection between bipolar and circadian rhythm disruption
I recently posted on my blog (Circadian rhythm disruption and manic depression link in children) about a study that was released in the journal BMC Psychiatry, which linked a specific gene that is responsible for disrupted circadian rhythms and bipolar disorder in kids. The gene is called RORB.
The diagnosis of bipolar in kids is highly controversial, and I've seen some controversy whether or not disrupted circadian rhythms should be considered a sleep problem. I'm still learning so much here, and am wondering the thoughts of other Health Activists and those "in the know".
Do you think bipolar disorder is being over-diagnosed today?
In my blog post I gave an example of one way I've personally used lights to manipulate body functions, and another that a friend uses. Can you think of ways that we use light and light therapy to manipulate the human body (and psyche)? Are there other pertinent, studies out there that I'm missing?
The diagnosis of bipolar in kids is highly controversial, and I've seen some controversy whether or not disrupted circadian rhythms should be considered a sleep problem. I'm still learning so much here, and am wondering the thoughts of other Health Activists and those "in the know".
Do you think bipolar disorder is being over-diagnosed today?
In my blog post I gave an example of one way I've personally used lights to manipulate body functions, and another that a friend uses. Can you think of ways that we use light and light therapy to manipulate the human body (and psyche)? Are there other pertinent, studies out there that I'm missing?
Tags: bipolar, children, circadian rhythm, gene, internal clock, manic depression, migraine, rorb
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by gsm on -
I had bipolar disorder several years ago and I cured it with light therapy (evening until bedtime) and a high salt diet (isotonic). The light therapy has an obvious connection to the circadian clock – it lengthens daylight. But it took me a while to find how salt was connected. I discovered that in the evening my urine sodium level rose dramatically. This implies that my sodium blood level falls at this time, probably in preparation for sleep. When my sodium level goes below a certain level it causes a condition called hyponatremia which includes mental symptoms. The high salt diet prevents me from going below that critical level and the extra evening light therapy slows down the loss of sodium during the evening hours. I think bipolar disorder is a symptom and the true underlying cause should be sought.
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Permalink Reply by Ellen S on -
I wonder if you were/are suffering from some type of adrenal or pituitary dysfunction - have you ever had your adrenals checked?
Cortisol rises and falls throughout the day and plays a large part in determining our circadian rhythms. Another adrenal hormone called Aldosterone controls kidney function and how much salt is shed in the urine and reabsorbed by the body. You can read more about adrenal function.
Additionally, sodium and potassium are maintained in the body in opposing amounts. Picture a teeter-totter... potassium is on one side and sodium on the other. If your hormones are working correctly, potassium will rise and sodium will fall. The opposite is also true. This means that both are unbalanced and can affect the entire body.
If your sodium is falling, is your potassium rising with it? This could be an important clue to your personal health picture.
Adrenal function and thyroid function are very intimately connected. This might also be something to research and ask your physician about. One type of thyroid hormone - T3 - is beginning to be used as adjunct therapy for some depressive and health disorders. Diabetic conditions can have significant effects on Aldosterone as well.
Did you know you can order inexpensive tests for many of your hormones without going thru your doctor? There are many companies that offer this service and have an excellent track record. You receive a lab slip or test, which is then usually sent to the same labs your doctor sends samples to. Within hours you can have your results.
Life Extension Foundation
HealthCheckUSA
Canary Club
For additional reading:
Drkaslow.com
TreatingAndBeating.com
DiagnoseMe
Wiki
WrongDiagnosis.com
European Thyroid Association Journal - Hot Thyroid
Hope this has been helpful.
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