Orthomolecular Psychiatry is a term that was coined by Carl Pfeiffer when he was a young physician. He noted that nutrition might have something to do with mental illness. Other doctors and researchers, including Linus Pauling, began treating psychotic patients with supplements. Many studies have been published and new information is still being discovered that links certain nutrients with better brain chemistry. In Orthomolecular Psychiatry, "the Schizophrenias" are seen as a group of disorders with very different nutrient needs.
Instructions
1. Consider glycine. Recent studies have had promising results for high doses of glycine, an abundant amino acid in the body, for reducing the negative symptoms of schizophrenia. Negative symptoms include not talking and not taking an interest in people or activities. To a lesser extent glycine helps positive symptoms such as delusions and hearing voices. Dosage is 1 g per 2.2 lb of body weight divided in three daily doses.
2. Determine if you are histapenic, histadelic, pyroluric or have allergies that affect the brain. Schizophrenia may be complicated by a combination of factors including hypoglycemia and celiac disease. Lab tests done by a naturopath or doctor who specializes in orthomolecular psychiatry can determine which problems you have, but there are other clues.
3. Consider the subtype histapenic. Forty percent of schizophrenics are in this category. They have hallucinations, paranoia, are slow to orgasm, have poor teeth and a tendency to gain weight in their lower body. This type responds to vitamin supplementation with niacin, folic acid, B12, pantothenic acid, and the minerals zinc and manganese. A complex vitamin with 100 mg of each B vitamin is essential. If you feel worse with folic acid and vitamin B12 you might be histadelic.
4. Consider the subtype histadelic. Twenty percent of schizophrenics can claim this category. Unfortunately, it is sometimes associated with suicidal depression. People with this subtype have a lean build, good teeth, a high pain tolerance and have negative symptoms. Schizoaffectives belong in this category as well as those with compulsions and addictions. Histadelics respond to the amino acid compound SAMe or methionine at doses of 500 mg twice a day. Vitamin B6 is deficient if there is no dream recall, and manganese, calcium and zinc should be added in small amounts.
5. Consider the subtype pyroluria. If you are pale, cannot remember your dreams, and come from an all-girl family you might be pyroluric, as are 30 percent of schizophrenics. Zinc in 30 mg doses twice a day and vitamin B6 in the morning, enough to restore dream recall, will correct this condition.
6. Consider that your symptoms might be due to an allergy. Ten percent of schizophrenics have a family history of allergies, skin rashes or celiac disease. They feel better when they are fasting. A careful food and symptoms diary and supplementation with 1 g of vitamin C twice a day, enough vitamin B6 to make you remember your dreams, and the minerals calcium and potassium as directed on the labels will be helpful. Celiac disease is an intolerance to gluten (wheat, barley and rye) and sometimes casein (milk protein) that often goes undiagnosed. Celiac disease can affect many body systems, including the brain. Seek help from a naturopathic physician.
7. Consider that your symptoms might be due to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), especially if you have a sweet tooth. Simple, timed blood tests can be ordered by your family doctor to determine if is low. Or, a diet of small, frequent meals consisting of high-quality proteins and fresh green leafy vegetables will relieve symptoms of fatigue, dizziness, tremors and confusion. All refined sugars and junk food must be avoided. Vitamin B3 and chromium can help regulate blood sugar; follow label directions.
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