I research everything. My diagnosis my meds I don't think that makes you hypomanic just smart. A lot of people don't do their research and blindly listen to doctors. I think you're doing the right thing.

I have mthfr I didn't know that could cause bipolar ??? Where did you find that?

A lot of research through different resources. I actually drew it a road map of it. Is it possible to share pictures o here? I would post what i came
Up with if I knew how.

Checked the FAQ’s and doesn’t appear to be a way of sharing pictures. Here Ms the shortened version:

MTHFR causes folate deficiency > results in misfiring neurotransmitters > which causes over stimulation of the amygdala > causing prefrontal
Cortex to stop working properly > causes person to become overwhelmed by stimulation with no way of understanding it

I’ll be sharing my roadmap with my psychiatrist this week to see if I’m way off or not

Thanks I see my psychiatrist tomorrow I'm gonna ask about it if I remember.

Please let me know what they tell you. I’d love to hear what they have to say. I’m off to try and get some sleep now. Be well. I look forward to talking with you again.

It doesn't "cause" BiPolar, nobody knows what exactly causes BiPolar, there are genetic, chemical and environmental factors that go into the causes of BiPolar and nobody yet understands exactly how they all play a part.

Certain gene mutations such as C677T of Methylenetetrahydrofolate Reductase (MTHFR) limit the methyl cycle and lower the folate intake.

Its also good to note that these mutations naturally occur in a high percent of the population in general including people who are not sick. They've also been attributed to multiple medical illnesses and neurological degenerative illnesses as well as mental illnesses.

Genetic mapping and study are newer technologies and as they become more affordable, become more readily researched and have more breakthrough's many diseases will be associated to many different genetic mutations.

With this particular one the only thing you can do is increase your “optimized folate" intake by taking L-methylfolate, you can get it at GNC type stores. Adjust your diet to a healthier diet, no processed foods, add lots of leafy greens, broccoli, lentils, and various beans which are a great sources of folate, fiber, and other nutrients. And take a methylated form of B12, known as methylcobalamin, once again probably have to get it at a GNC type store.

There is no cure for BiPolar Disorder, and knowing this information does not give you one. Also none of the above mentioned changes are probably going to show you much of a change from your current treatment plan, but they may help some. Being as healthy as you can is always optimum when you have BiPolar Disorder.

Hi OCP, thanks for the response and info. I definitely didn’t use the proper terminally about all this. My “cure” is how to better cope with bipolar and the roadmap is to help me understand why I have the symptoms I have. I am on a combination of Deplin and lamictal which I think is helping me increase my “optimized folate” as you put it. I’m very new to this as I was just diagnosed recently but after years of trying to understand why, why, why, connecting some dots are helping me with this.

And Angela, I definitely do not mean to come across as a dr or that this will fix you. I just wanted to share my journey so far and what I have learned. Still need to talk to my psychiatrist about it but trying to understand my disorder and how it affects me has been helpful. Everyone is different and has a different recovery path. What works for me won’t necessarily work for everyone or anyone else.

OCP, I am in a depression right now so apologize for being overly sensitive. I am on this site for support as i really need it. I can’t tell if that’s what you’re trying to do or not

Ed, you didn't come off as overly sensitive.

I'm 31 years BiPolar not I or II, because I have Suicidal Depression and full Manic Episodes. Well I used to have Suicidal Depression, 3 months of ECT stabilized that 11 years ago. I"m also a retired Clinical Psychologist, and have a "research oriented" background. I still work with colleagues on Papers and Research for Peer Support Groups on various Mental Health topics.

When someone posts a topic that I can give information on, I put the information out there. Interestingly enough I"m currently in a Study on 'Longer than Normal ECT Treatments and how they affect or change the patients Genetic Code." So yes there is Genetic Research being done in many Mental Health Disease fields including BiPolar, but its all pretty new.

Supplements don't hurt, but generally they don't tend to change things in "large noticeable" amounts.

Are you on any other meds besides Lamictal?

Take care.

Just Deplin. I started on Deplin first for awhile after my psychiatrist discovered I had MTHFR and was doing much better.

I was triggered because I had a horrible experience with a previous dr and therapist who initially diagnosed me with depression and anxiety so they put me on anti depressants and anti anxiety meds, even though I told them from the beginning that I felt there was something else. I started to crash within a couple days and even with my repeated urging that something was not right, they told me I was wrong. The meds don’t work that fast and to give it time. It got to the point that I couldn’t get out of bed for long periods of time, was completely exhausted, and all around a useless sack of meat, along with full body convulsions, restless leg syndrome, etc, etc, etc.... it felt like my mind and body was falling apart. I was on the verge of committing myself to a facility and reconciling with the idea that my life as I knew it was over. Very difficult times as I have a family yet was all alone in this.

The dr and therapist made me feel like my concerns were not legitimate and I didn’t know what I was talking about.

It got better when I left them and got a referral from a friend for a psychiatrist.

Welcome to the board Ed..... This is a good place to come.... I don't know of any cure either BUT we do have a treatable illness

I'm sorry that you're in a dark place right now...You will find stability....

That was actually my original diagnosis as well... I don't think that's unusual.... Diagnosing mental illness unless isn't as clear cut as a lot of physical illnesses unfortunately ... It's good that you have the right diagnosis now though and are working with a doctor to find what you need to stabilize and you will........

Right now might be a time for baby steps and trying to focus on today as best as you can... sometimes one hour or even one moment ....... Venting is good....

I'm glad that you've found us.....Big hug....xo

Thank you SunCloud. As usual, I was doing really well for several days straight and thinking I was fully in control. Then everything fell apart in a very short time frame. I’ve been up and down all morning and am currently very depressed. For the first time, I thought to myself, I can see why people choose not to live this way. My greatest fear is that one day I will not be able to control those feelings.

If you are having suicidal thoughts and think that you may act on them you should call your doctor or go to emerg

I have them at times as well.... I accept that a thought doesn't require an action and that these thoughts can be a part of the depressive side of our disorder

Suicide doesn't end the pain it spreads the pain

I made a choice for myself a long time ago that I wouldn't act on this... I would reach for help when I needed to.... These thoughts don't last.... They do go away when you're stable
They are part of illness and not rational ...

It can take some time to find the right med regime and tools to get to that point but please hang onto the fact that you will .... Big hug and a blessing....xo