Potassium Imbalance

Proper Name: Potassium Common Name: Potassium Evidence of Efficacy: statement to the effect of Potassium deficiency or imbalance plays a role in the symptoms of mood disorders1. Observational and experimental studies have shown an association between potassium and aggression2,3,4, anxiety5 , bipolar disorder6,7,8,9, and depression10,11. References: 1. Webb WL, Gehi M. Electrolyte and fluid imbalance: Neuropsychiatric manifestations. Psychosomatics 22(3):199-203, 1981 2. William J. Walsh, analytical chemist, Argonne National Laboratory – reported in Sci News 124:122-5, 1983 3. Schmidt K, Wier WR, Asch M. Clinical ecology treatment approach for juvenile offenders. J Behav Ecology: Biosocial 2(1), 1981 4. Von Hilsheimer G, Philpott W, Buckley W, Klotz SC. Correcting the incorrigible. A report on 229 “incorrigible” adolescents. Am Lab 107:22-49, 1977 5. McCleane GJ, Watters CH. Pre-operative anxiety and serum potassium. Anaesthesia 45(7):583-5, 1990 6. Klemfuss H. Dietary potassium effects on lithium concentration and toxicity in humans. Biol Psychiatry 37:42-7, 1995 7. Jefferson JW. Potassium supplementation in lithium patients: a timely intervention or premature speculation? J Clin Psychiatry 53:10, 1992 8. Bkaskara Rao Tripuraneni, fellow in child psychiatry, Harbo-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, California – reported in Clin Psychiatry News 18(10):3, October, 1990 and presented to the 143rd Annual Mtg of the Am Psychiatric Assoc, May 12-17, 1990, Abstracts NR 100 and NR 210 9. Cater RE. The use of sodium and potassium to reduce toxicity and toxic side effects from lithium. Med Hypotheses 20(4):359-83, 1986 10. Webb WL, Gehi M. Electrolyte and fluid imbalance: Neuropsychiatric manifestations. Psychosomatics 22(3):199-203, 1981 11. Cox JR et al. Changes in sodium, potassium and fluid spaces in depression and dementia. Gerontology Clin 13:232-45, 1971 Aggressive Behavior

Selenium Imbalance

Proper Name: Selenium Common Name: Selenium Evidence of Efficacy: statement to the effect of Selenium deficiency or imbalance plays a role in the symptoms of mood disorders1. Observational and experimental studies have shown an association between selenium and anxiety1, depression2,3, and schizophrenia4,5,6,7,8,9,10. References: 1. Benton D, Cook R. The impact of selenium supplementation on mood. Biol Psychiatry 29(11):1092-8, 1991. 2. Hawkes WC, Hornbostel L. Effects of dietary selenium on mood in healthy men living in a metabolic research unit. Biol Psychiatry 39:121-8, 1996. 3. Benton D, Cook R. The impact of selenium supplementation on mood. Biol Psychiatry 29(11):1092-8, 1991. 4. Brown JS Jr. Role of selenium and other trace elements in the geography of schizophrenia. Schizophr Bull 20(2):387-98, 1994. 5. Foster HD. Schizophrenia and esophageal cancer: comments on similarities in their spatial distributions. J Orthomol Med 5(3):129-34, 1990. 6. Foster HD. The geography of schizophrenia: possible links with selenium and calcium deficiencies, inadequate exposure to sunlight and industrialization. J Orthomol Med 3(3):135-40, 1988. 7. Alertsen AR, Aukrust A, Skaug OE. Selenium concentrations in blood and serum from patients with mental diseases. Acta Psychiatr Scand 74(2):217-19, 1986. 8. Buckman TD, Kling AS, Eiduscon S, et al. Glutathione peroxidase and CT scan abnormalities in schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry 22(11):1349-56, 1987. 9. Abdalla DS, Monteiro HP, Oliveira JA, Bechara EJ. Activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in schizophrenic and manic-depressive patients. Clin Chem 32(5):805-7, 1986. 10. Berry T. A selenium transport protein model of a sub-type of schizophrenia. Med Hypotheses 43(6):409-14, 1994.

Magnesium Imbalance

Proper Name: Magnesium Common Name: Magnesium Evidence of Efficacy: Magnesium deficiency or imbalance plays a role in the symptoms of mood disorders. Observational and experimental studies have shown an association between magnesium and aggression 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, anxiety 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, ADHD 16, 17, 18, bipolar disorder 19, 20 ,21, depression 22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30,31,32,33,34,35, premenstrual syndrome 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, and schizophrenia 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 ,66 ,67 ,68 ,69, 70. References: 1. Izenwasser SE et al. Stimulant-like effects of magnesium on aggression in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 25(6):1195-9, 1986. 2. Henrotte JG. Type A behavior and magnesium metabolism. Magnesium 5:201-10, 1986. 3. Bennett CPW, McEwen LM, McEwen HC, Rose EL. The Shipley Project: treating food allergy to prevent criminal behaviour in community settings. J Nutr Environ Med 8:77-83, 1998. 4. Kirow GK, Birch NJ, Steadman P, Ramsey RG. Plasma magnesium levels in a population of psychiatric patients: correlation with symptoms. Neuropsychobiology 30(2-3):73-8, 1994. 5. Kantak KM. Magnesium deficiency alters aggressive behavior and catecholamine function. Behav Neurosci 102(2):304-11, 1988. 6. Izenwasser SE, Garcia-Valdez K, Kantak KM. Stimulant-like effects of magnesium on aggression in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 25(6):1195-9, 1986. 7. Struempler RE et al. Hair mineral analysis and disruptive behavior in clinically normal young men. J Learn Disabil 18(10):609-12, 1985. 8. Banki CM, Vojnik M, Papp Z, et al. Cerebrospinal fluid magnesium and calcium related to amine metabolites, diagnosis, and suicide attempts. Biol Psychiatry 20(2):163-71, 1985. 9. Schmidt K, Wier WR, Asch M. Clinical ecology treatment approach for juvenile offenders. J Behav Ecology: Biosocial 2(1), 1981. 10. Von Hilsheimer G, Philpott W, Buckley W, Klotz SC. Correcting the incorrigible. A report on 229 "incorrigible" adolescents. Am Lab 107:22-49, 1977. 11. Buist RA. Anxiety neurosis: The lactate connection. Int Clin Nutr Rev 5:1-4, 1985. 12. Seelig MS, Berger AR, Spieholz N. Latent tetany and anxiety, marginal Mg deficit, and normocalcemia. Dis Nerv Syst 36:461-5, 1975. 13. Durlach J, Durlach V, Bac P, et al. Magnesium and therapeutics. Magnes Res 7(3/4):313-28, 1994. 14. Kirov GK, Tsachev KN. Magnesium, schizophrenia and manic-depressive disease. Neuropsychobiology 23(2):79-81, 1990. 15. Weston PG et al. Magnesium sulphate as a sedative. Am J Med Sci 165:431-3, 1923. 16. Durlach J. Clinical aspects of chronic magnesium deficiency, in MS Seelig, Ed. Magnesium in Health and Disease. New York, Spectrum Publications, 1980. 17. Kozielec T, Starobrat-Hermelin B. Assessment of magnesium levels in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Magnes Res 10(2):143-8, 1997. 18. Starobrat-Hermelin B, Kozielec T. The effects of magnesium physiological supplementation on hyperactivity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Positive response to magnesium oral loading test. Magnes Res 10(2):149-56, 1997. 19. George MS, Rosenstein D, Rubinow DR, et al. CSF magnesium in affective disorder: lack of correlation with clinical course of treatment. Psychiatry Res 51(2):139-46, 1994. 20. Kirov GK, Birch NJ, Steadman P, Ramsey RG. Plasma magnesium levels in a population of psychiatric patients: correlations with symptoms. Neuropsychobiology 1994;30(2-3):73-8, 1994. 21. Chouinard G, Beauclair L, Geiser R, Etienne P. A pilot study of magnesium aspartate hydrochloride (Magnesiocard) as a mood stabilizer for rapid cycling bipolar affective disorder patients. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 14(2):171-180, 1990. 22. Kirow GK, Birch NJ, Steadman P, Ramsey RG. Plasma magnesium levels in a population of psychiatric patients: correlation with symptoms. Neuropsychobiology 30(2-3):73-8, 1994. 23. Linder J et al. Calcium and magnesium concentrations in affective disorder: Difference between plasma and serum in relation to symptoms. Acta Psychiatr Scand 80:527-37, 1989. 24. Frazer A et al. Plasma and erythrocyte electrolytes in affective disorders. J Affect Disord 5(2):103-13, 1983. 25. Bjorum N. Electrolytes in blood in endogenous depression. Acta Psychiatr Scand 48:59-68, 1972. 26. Cade JFJA. A significant elevation of plasma magnesium levels in schizophrenia and depressive states. Med J Aust 1:195-6, 1964. 27. Kirov GK, Tsachev KN. Magnesium, schizophrenia and manic-depressive disease. Neuropsychobiology 23(2):79-81, 1990. 28. Hall RCW, Joffe JR. Hypomagnesemia: Physical and psychiatric symptoms. JAMA 224:1749-51, 1973. 29. Frizel D, Coppen A, Marks V. Plasma magnesium and calcium in depression. Br J Psychiatry 115:1375-7, 1969. 30. Frizel D et al. Plasma calcium and magnesium in depression. Br J Psychiatry 115:1375-7, 1969. 31. Hasey GM, D'Alessandro E, Cooke RG, Warsh JJ. The interface between thyroid activity, magnesium, and depression: A pilot study. Biol Psychiatry 33:133-5, 1993. 32. Linder J et al. Calcium and magnesium concentrations in affective disorder: Difference between plasma and serum in relation to symptoms. Acta Psychiatr Scand 80:527-37, 1989. 33. Frazer A et al. Plasma and erythrocyte electrolytes in affective disorders. J Affect Disord 5(2):103-13, 1983]. 34. Banki CM et al. Aminergic studies and cerebrospinal fluid cations in suicide. Ann N Y Acad Sci 487:221-30, 1986. 35. Banki CM et al. Cerebrospinal fluid magnesium and calcium related to amine metabolites, diagnosis, and suicide attempts. Biol Psychiatry 20:163-71, 1985. 36. Posaci C, Erten O, Uren A, Acar B. Plasma copper, zinc and magnesium levels in patients with premenstrual tension syndrome. Acta Obstet Gynecol Scand 73(6):452-5, 1994. 37. Rosenstein DL et al. Magnesium measures across the menstrual cycle in premenstrual syndrome. Biol Psychiatry 35:557-61, 1994. 38. Chuong CJ, Dawson EB., Magnesium levels in premenstrual syndrome. Nutr Res 14(11):1623-34, 1994. 39. Mira M, Stewart PM, Abraham SF. Vitamin and trace element status in premenstrual syndrome. Am J Clin Nutr 47:636-41, 1988. 40. Sherwood RA, Rocks BF, Stewart A, Saxton RS. Magnesium and the premenstrual syndrome. Ann Clin Biochem 23(6):667;70, 1986. 41. Stebbing JB et al., Reactive hypoglycaemia and magnesium. Magnesium Bull 4(2):131-4, 1982. 42. Rosenstein DL et al. Magnesium measures across the menstrual cycle in premenstrual syndrome. Biol Psychiatry 35:557-61, 1994. 43. Stewart A., Clinical and biochemical effects of nutritional supplementation on the premenstrual syndrome. J Reprod Med 32:435-41, 1987. 44. Sherwood RA, Rocks BF, Stewart A, Saxton RS. Magnesium and the premenstrual syndrome. Ann Clin Biochem 23(6):667-70, 1986. 45. Stebbing JB et al., Reactive hypoglycaemia and magnesium. Magnesium Bull 4(2):131-4, 1982. 46. Abraham GE. Magnesium deficiency in premenstrual tension. Magnesium Bull 1:68-73, 1982. 47. Abraham GE, Lubran MM. Serum and red cell magnesium levels in patients with premenstrual tension. Am J Clin Nutr 34(11):2364-6, 1981. 48. Rosenstein DL et al. Magnesium measures across the menstrual cycle in premenstrual syndrome. Biol Psychiatry 35:557-61, 1994. 49. Stewart A., Clinical and biochemical effects of nutritional supplementation on the premenstrual syndrome. J Reprod Med 32:435-41, 1987. 50. Stebbing JB et al. Reactive hypoglycaemia and magnesium. Magnesium Bull 4(2):131-4, 1982. 51. Brown RC, Bidlack WR. Regulation of glucuronyl transferase by intracellular magnesium, in Proceedings of the International Symposium on Magnesium and its Relationship to Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Disorders. Los Angeles, 1985:24. 52. Curry DL et al. Magnesium modulation of glucose-induced insulin secretion by the perfused rat pancreas. Endocrinology 101:203, 1977. 53. Abraham GE. Management of the premenstrual tension syndromes: Rationale for a nutritional approach, in J Bland, Ed. 1986: A Year in Nutritional Medicine. New Canaan, CT, Keats Publishing, 1986:125-66. 54. Brown RC, Bidlack WR. Regulation of glucuronyl transferase by intracellular magnesium, in Proceed Int Sympos Magnesium and its Relationship to Cardiovascular, Renal and Metabolic Disorders. Los Angeles, 1985:24. 55.Cunnane SC, Horrobin DF. Parnteral linoleic and gamma-linolenic acids ameliorate the gross effects of zinc deficiency. Proc Soc Exp Biol Med 164:583, 1980. 56. Facchinetti F, Bolrella P, Sances G, et al. Oral magnesium successfully relieves premenstrual mood changes. Obstet Gynecol 78(2):177-81, 1991. 57. Facchinetti F et al. Magnesium prophylaxis of menstrual migraine: effects of intracellular magnesium. Headache 31:298-304, 1991. 58. Levine J, Rapoport A, Mashiah M, Dolev E. Serum and cerebrospinal levels of calcium and magnesium in acute versus remitted schizophrenic patients. Neuropsychobiology 33(4):169-72, 1996. 59. Kirow GK, Birch NJ, Steadman P, Ramsey RG. Plasma magnesium levels in a population of psychiatric patients: correlation with symptoms. Neuropsychobiology 30(2-3):73-8, 1994. 60. Kanofsky JD et al. Is iatrogenic hypomagnesemia common in schizophrenia? Abstract. J Am Coll Nutr 10(5):537, 1991. 61. Kirov GK, Tsachev KN. Magnesium, schizophrenia and manic-depressive disease. Neuropsychobiology 23(2):79-81, 1990. 62. Chhatre SM et al. Serum magnesium levels in schizophrenia. Ind J Med Sci 39(11):259-61, 1985. 63. Paul EA et al. Serum calcium and magnesium in schizophrenia. Relationship to clinical phenomena and neuroleptic treatment. Br J Psych 133:143-9, 1978. 64. Daly RM, Gold G. Serum magnesium levels in nonacute schizophrenics. N Y State J Med 76:188-9, 1976. 65. Hakim AH et al. A comparative study of serum calcium and magnesium in cases of endogenous depression, reactive depression, schizophrenia and conversion reaction. J Assn Phys Ind 23:513-17, 1975. 66. Pandey SK et al. An estimation of magnesium and calcium in serum and CSF in schizophrenia. J Assn Phys Ind 21:203-5, 1973. 67. Chugh TD et al. Magnesium in schizophrenia. Ind J Med Res 61:998-1001, 1973. 68. Cade JFJ. A significant elevation of plasma magnesium level in schizophrenia and depressive states. Med J Aust 1:195-6, 1964. 69. Kornhuber J, Lange KW, Kruzik P, et al. Iron, copper, zinc, magnesium, and calcium in postmortem brain tissue from schizophrenic patients. Biol Psychiatry 36(1):31-4, 1994. 70. Levine J, Rapoport A, Mashiah M, Dolev E. Serum and cerebrospinal levels of calcium and magnesium in acute versus remitted schizophrenic patients. Neuropsychobiology 33(4):169-72, 1996.

Common Treatments: Inositol

	Inositol, an 'unofficial' B-vitamin, is a cyclic 6-carbon compound quite similar to glucose. In animal cells, it occurs as a component of phospholipids and it stored predominantly in the brain, spinal cord nerves, cerebral spinal fluid, skeletal muscle, and heart muscle. The human body contains more inositol than any other vitamin except niacin. Source Inositol is available from both plant and animal sources. The plant form in which inositol is available is phytic acid, which can bind with minerals and so affect their absorption negatively. The action of the intestinal bacteria liberates inositol from phytic acid, which is found in citrus fruits, nuts, seeds and legumes, wheat germ, brewers yeast, bananas, liver, beef brains and heart, whole grains such as brown rice, oat flakes, unrefined molasses, raisins and vegetables such as cabbage. Function; Reasons For Use Inositol is simply a hexane molecule (ringed structure of 6 carbons) with 6 hydroxyl groups (OH) attached. Inositol is used by the body to complete the synthesis of certain phospholipids, important components of every cell membrane. Inositol is also used to make Inositol Triphosphate (IP3), an important secondary messenger in various cell signaling events. Inositol is also lipotropic, meaning it associates with lipids (fats). Its lipotropic characteristics have been used to help move fatty material from the liver, into the intestines where they can be effectively removed with fiber. Inositol works closely with choline as one of the primary components of the cell membrane. It is also needed for growth and survival of cells in bone marrow, eye membranes, and the intestines. Inositol appears to be a precursor of the phosphoinosities (compounds that may be important in hormonal action) especially in the brain. Proper action of several brain neurotransmitters, such as acetylcholine and serotonin, require inositol. Inositol encourages hair growth and can help prevent baldness. Like choline, inositol helps to move fat out of the liver, and helps prevent serious liver disorders, as well as disorders involving high cholesterol. Serotonin and acetylcholine, two neurotransmitters, both depend upon inositol, and supplementation can therefore assist in the reduction of depression and panic attacks. A reduction in brain inositol levels may induce depression as evidenced by low inositol levels in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with depression. In a 1-month, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 28 patients with depression, inositol demonstrated therapeutic results similar to tricyclic antidepressants without the side-effects. Additional studies have revealed that inositol supplementation is an effective treatment in panic and obsessive compulsive disorders. Loss of inositol from nerve cells is the primary reason for diabetic neuropathy, so inositol supplementation can assist in improving this condition. Phytic acid, the plant source of inositol, has been shown to have anticancer properties, which may be one reason why a high-fiber diet protects against many cancers. Inositol also has a prominent calming effect on the central nervous system, so it may be helpful to those with insomnia. Studies on brain waves have shown that it has an effect similar to that of librium or valium. It can gradually lower blood pressure, and can be helpful in cases of schizophrenia, hypoglycemia, and those with high serum copper and low serum zinc levels. Because it stimulates muscles of the alimentary canal, inositol is helpful in cases of constipation. It can also induce labor contractions in pregnant women. Intake of caffeine is known to deplete the bodies supply of inositol. Directions The RDA is 100mg per day, but be aware that this dosage is the minimum that you require to ward off deficiency of this particular nutrient. In the therapeutic use of this nutrient, the dosage is usually increased considerably, but the toxicity level must be kept in mind. It is best used with choline, which should be taken in the same amount as inositol. It is best to take the entire B-group vitamins with it. Vitamin E, vitamin C as well as folic acid and linoleic acid are thought to increase the functioning of inositol. Side-Effects Although no toxic effects are known, diarrhea has been noted with the intake of very high dosage.

Serotonin and Behavior

Link to article (must register, but it's free) Neurotransmitter of the '90s - serotonin production When a stray thought niggles your brain, reminding you to stop biting your nails, you'll stop because you want to and because you can--your brain's cells have no trouble communicating the message to your body. But many people aren't so lucky. Their brain produces too much or too little serotonin, one of several chemicals that transmit impulses between nerve cells, or neurons. Accumulating evidence reveals that serotonin is unlike other neurotransmitters. It does not have receptors localized in a few specific areas of the brain. Instead, nerve cells tipped with serotonin-sensitive binding sites cluster deep within the brain stem and send neuronal tentacles snorkeling out through the gray matter. Hence, their uptake and release of serotonin ultimately affects much of our mental life. Take the case of suicidality. Brain tissue from the frontal cortex of suicide victims has fewer serotonin-releasing neurons than normal brains--but more that suck up the transmitter, suggesting an attempt to compensate for serotonin lack by upping receptor sensitivity. Still, low serotonin producers suffer from suicidal thoughts during acute stress. Some may be born with "suicidal" brains. Measurements of serotonin debris in spinal fluid may identify those at risk. * Serotonin imbalance seems to underlie obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), an anxiety-related condition marked by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors such as hand-washing. Neurotransmitter activity may be abnormal in the frontal cortex, caudate, and cingulate gyrus, all rich with serotonin neurons. * Surging serotonin elsewhere may bring on bliss. People who take the illegal drug MDMA, or Ecstasy, get a "serotonin high" as MDMA-responsive cells release large amounts of the neurotransmitter, stimulating receptors in middle layers of the cerebral cortex. In high doses, Ecstasy destroys serotonin nerve fibers. A less toxic form of MDMA might help those with illnesses like AIDS face death more calmly. * Serotonin may interact with sex hormones to orchestrate sexual behavior, animal studies show. In female rats, serotonin usually inhibits sexual behavior. But as estrogen and progesterone make their cyclic rise, they dampen serotonin neurons in the hypothalamus, and the females go into heat. In males, serotonin does the opposite, promoting sexual activity in the presence of testosterone. Serotonin may yield better ways to control sexual dysfunction in men and ovulation in women. * Serotonin aids and abets learning and memory formation. As serotonin is released in response to a stimulus, it attaches to the receptors of the next cell down the line, raising its excitability level and increasing the chance it will become part of a circuit that encodes memory. Serotonin also enhances the neuron's electrical impulse, creating enduring memory. These responses turn on at different stages of development and underlie two distinct types of learning--sensitization and dishabituation. As scientists finally get a handle on the complexities of serotonin, they also implicate it in schizophrenia, depression, alcohol abuse, chronic pain, pre-menstrual syndrome, eating disorders, and panic attacks. "Serotonin is only one of the molecules in the orchestra," says Yale neuropsychologist Thomas J. Carew. "But rather than being the trumpet or the cello player, it's the band leader who choreographs the output of the brain." COPYRIGHT 1992 Sussex Publishers, Inc. COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group