Blog

5

1

A similar question has been asked before, but this derives from Michael Ellsberg's fascinating Forbes article.

http://blogs.forbes.com/michaelellsberg/2011/07/18/how-i-overcame-bipolar-ii/

In many ways his story is similar to my own. I do not have a diagnosis of Bipolar II but it is clear that I had a number of symptoms (hypomania, hypersexuality, grandiosity, etc.) all of which are substantially muted on a paleo diet (well, not the hypersexuality so much but I refuse to give up coffee and alcohol...).

At any rate, I wonder if this resonates with anyone else?

flag
I can't read the blog at work, but this definitely resonates with me on pretty much the same level. I can't wait to read it tonight. Thoughtful comments to come... – sherpamelissa Jul 26 2011 at 17:16
1 
 Bipolar is actually a mood disorder. Not a personality disorder. – Aughra Jul 26 2011 at 17:26
Love that guy. I read this last week. While not nutritional, I recommend this TED Talk: ted.com/talks/… – baconbitch Jul 26 2011 at 17:31
1 
 Wait, bipolar disorder isn't a personality disorder. – Olivia Jul 26 2011 at 17:32
Yeah, I've answered in the other threads so I won't repeat here, but my diagnosis is/was BPII, and I'm completely symptom-free. – Ambimorph Jul 27 2011 at 3:53
show 1 more comment

5 Answers

5

Yup - Type !! here. I've posted about it here on PH. But yes, I've seen a huge difference. The depression is not as severe but I'm still struggling with it. I haven't had a hypomanic state in several weeks which is a long time for me and I miss them. Like Roy, the hypersexuality is still there too. I can't give up coffee yet. I'm lowering the wine intake to once per week though. That had the biggest impact on me. All in all, I can't say paleo specifically helped as I've always been a clean eater. What has helped is tracking my food, exercise and mood and changing up my food based on my moods.

link|flag
yeah but the article revealed it was all about coffee and refine sugar. Please give up coffee so we can see it it works baconbitch. – Roy Jul 26 2011 at 20:34
Oh jeez - you don't have to be around me so it's easy for you to say :) Dammit. Don't make me take that dare!!! – baconbitch Jul 26 2011 at 21:28
5

Bipolar isn't a personality disorder. Anyway, I have some close experience with personality disorder because my father has (diagnosed) narcissistic personality disorder (always fun times in our house growing up with a father like that, luckily my mom eventually kicked him out) Obviously I'm not an expert but I can't see how my dad's pathological assholery was due to his diet, and not his ridiculously dysfunctional upbringing and resultant coping mechanisms, or whatever causes personality disorders. FWIW, I remember a time when he decided to try the Atikns diet and he was stricter than a lot of people- no wheat, even low carb products. I don't recall him being any less of a dick during that year. I've heard personality disorders are very difficult to treat/overcome because it's not like a mood disorder or something; your personality is you, so how do people with them realise that there's a problem? They don't. I feel like I may be wrong so someone correct me if they know more.

link|flag
3 
 I like the term "assholery" – wjones3044 Jul 26 2011 at 18:06
Yes, it's a handy word to describe all kinds of behaviour. – Olivia Jul 26 2011 at 18:10
Sounds about right. In my experience with those affected, diet can certainly exacerbate the symptoms but the root problem develops early and often doesn't change without considerable intervention and determination. I think the brain fog and malaise from a poor SAD diet can ensure perpetuation of the problem, though, because it muddles with cognition and obviates the energetic reserves needed to battle (and embrace) the demons. – ddibwynt Jul 26 2011 at 18:21
so how do you fix the root problem then. If you're going to say it's not diet, then how would you propose to fix it otherwise? I think it's all diet baby – Roy Jul 26 2011 at 20:32
Some problems aren't easily fixable. Personality disorders (or NPD, anyway, which is the only one I know much about) are difficult to treat. And I don't believe poor diet is the cause of all evil or that eating paleo is the solution to all problems. – Olivia Jul 26 2011 at 22:28
3

I had bipolar type 2 for about 5 years. The hypomanic symptoms went away about 3 years ago but up until I got pregnant 1 1/2 years ago I still struggled with debilitating depression. I think the pregnancy helped and now the correct eating has truly nipped it in the bud. I didn't give up caffiene completely but I eat vlc and only have maybe one or two glasses of wine a month. It has helped tremendously. My husband really sees a difference in me.

link|flag
1 
 I struggled with depression since I was 10 so it might have been longer than 5 years but I'm just going with when I was diagnosed. – Aughra Jul 26 2011 at 17:33
1

Great article. There are people in my life it greatly reminded me of and who I hope will read the article and be inspired . I wonder... when he's talking about coffee being the issue... decaf too? I know that will be one of the first questions posed to me when I bring it up ;-)

link|flag
I'm conveniently ignoring the coffee/alcohol portion of this... – wjones3044 Jul 26 2011 at 18:30
but that's the only thing that worked for him in the end. – Roy Jul 26 2011 at 20:37
0

He says he cut out refined sugar, alcohol and caffeine. Does anyone happen to know if he went LC or VLC?

link|flag

Your Answer

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.