Commentary on Nutritional Treatment of Mental Disorders.

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[sSRI-Research] Nutritional Treatment of Mental Disorders

Commentary on Nutritional Treatment of Mental Disorders

 

 

 

 

from Willam Walsh, Ph.D., Senior Scientist, Pfeiffer Treatment Center

http://www.alternativementalhealth.com/articles/walsh.htm#Co

www.hriptc.org

 

(The following information is taken from Dr. William Walsh's

discussion on Safe Harbor's " Integrative Psychiatry " email list for

professionals.

 

 

To preserve Dr. Walsh's wealth of information, we have posted his

comments here, with the notation of added commentary [with the date]

as discussion

goes on.)

 

Index

ADD/ADHD

Alzheimer's Disease

Amino Acids

Anorexia

Antidepressants and Cancer

Autism

B6

Bipolar Disorder

Candida

Celiac Disease

Choline

Copper

Coral Calcium

Crime & Violence

Depression

Downs

Essential Fatty Acids

Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

Hair Analysis

Head Injury

Histamine

Hives

Learning Disabilities

Metabolic Types

Mercury

Metallothionein

Methylation

Neurotransmitters

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Oxidative Stress

Paranoia

Placebo effect

Post Partum Depression

Pregnancy

Psychiatric Medications

Pyrrole Disorder

SAMe

Schizophrenia

Taurine

Womb Trauma

Zinc

 

 

ADD/ADHD

We've treated more than 6,000 children & adults diagnosed with ADHD,

ADD, or

LD. There is a great variety of biochemical phenotypes within these broad

classifications & completely different treatment approaches are needed.

About 60% of these patients are high dopamine, low choline persons and

thrive on choline-enhancing supplements. (10 Jan, 2003)

 

After testing & treating more than 6,000 ADHD patients, I've learned that

most of these patients exhibit chemical imbalances which impact

neurotransmitter concentrations and brain function. In this sense, ADHD

actually is a brain disorder. In countless cases, we have seen the ADHD

disappear after treatment for the imbalances. Also, there clearly is a

strong genetic component to ADHD. To me, this is good news, since genetic

differences are usually expressed as chemical differences.... and

chemistry

can be adjusted. Just because ADHD is a brain disorder does not mean that

drug therapy is indicated. In my experience, more than 80% of ADHD

patients

respond beautifully to nutrient therapy aimed at normalizing brain

chemistry

& body chemistry. ADHD usually involves disturbed brain chemistry &

imperfect brain function. However, drugs are not the answer in most cases.

 

We have seen more than 5,700 children diagnosed with ADD/ADHD and most of

them were mis-diagnosed & didn't have it at all. Hundreds of these

kids were

extremely bright with terrific concentration for things they cared about.

The major problems they experienced were boredom (number 1) and authority

issues. Quite a few had OCD and oppositional/defiant tendencies which have

nothing to do with ADD/ADHD. (6 Jan, 2003)

 

Is there a simple combination that's generally effective for ADHD?

 

Not really, since there are several phenotypes comprising ADHD and the

treatments may be completely different and in some cases opposite. (13

Jan,

2003)

 

A classic component of ADHD is impulsivity. Impulsivity leads to

accidents &

injuries. It would be very surprising if an ADHD population didn't have a

higher incidence of injuries. To complicate things, bumps on the head

resulting in brain trauma can worsen ADHD. (Feb 10, 2003)

 

We've known for more than 20 years that the metallothionein protein system

does not perform well in most ADHD patients. About 68% of them exhibit

very

poor control of Cu & Zn, based on lab data from more than 6,000 patients

diagnosed with ADD/ADHD. Autism is different in that about 90% of patients

exhibit Cu/Zn imbalances that are generally much more severe than in ADHD.

 

For several months, we have extended our metallothionein-promotion

protocol

to ADHD, behavior, depression, and schizophrenic patients who exhibit

Cu/Zn

imbalance. The informal results so far are very encouraging. However,

we've

not yet done a formal outcome study for these populations, and thus

have no

statistics yet.

 

We are considering applying MT-Promotion to Alzheimers & Parkinsons

patients

in the near future. Both disorders involve serious oxidative stress and

abnormal trace metal levels. In addition, recent research has revealed a

striking metallothionein deficiency in the brains of Alzheimers patients.

(Feb 25, 2003)

 

The two primary ingredients for paranoid schizophrenia are (a) elevated

copper levels and (b) over-methylation. In our database of more than 6,000

ADHD kids, 68% have elevated copper in blood serum. Since most ADHD

individuals have one of the two SZ prerequisites, it would be a

surprise if

the SZ incidence were not relatively high in the ADHD population.

Fortunately, very few ADHD kids become schizophrenic. (March 10, 2003)

 

ADHD is a real condition, but grossly overdiagnosed in the USA. NIMH

estimates that the incidence is about 4.75%. However, there are states

like

Utah and Virginia in which more than 20% of all children are receiving

Ritalin or other stimulant medication. Many parents prefer a diagnosis of

ADHD to having to focus on family dynamics that might be a contributing

factor...... the prospect of a " magic bullet " drug is very seductive. I

agree that most children labelled ADHD don't really have it! (March 25,

2003)

 

Overdiagnosis of ADHD. The incidence of ADHD has been determined by

NIMH to

be approximately 4.75%. However, there are many areas of the country

(including entire states) where more than 20% of school children are

taking

Ritalin or other stimulant medication for ADHD. Many children who simply

have behavior problems are misdiagnosed with ADHD.

 

Alzheimer's Disease

 

It is becoming increasingly clear that Alzheimer's Disease is a

condition of

oxidative stress. Niacin has good antioxidant properties, thus it protects

against AD. Many other antioxidant nutrients also protect against AD.

 

 

Amino Acids

 

If a person is low across the board in amino acids, supplementation with

mixed AA's could be beneficial. However, if an individual is known to be

deficient in one or two AA's, it might be better to supplement these apart

from each other and from food.

 

There is a large volume of published literature that indicates competition

between amino acids in passage through the intestinal mucosa..... the

highest levels of absorption are achieved in the absence of other AA's.

 

Genetic differences in persons can result in great variations in nutrient

requirements. If a genetic tendency for low AA levels is present, it might

be impossible to eat enough food to supply what's needed. (Aug 18, 2003)

 

 

Anorexia

 

We've treated many anorexics and find most of them to be

undermethylated and

zinc deficient. Our standard treatment regimes for these two

imbalances are

usually very successful, especially in concert with quality counseling.

(July 22, 2003)

 

Antidepressants and Cancer

 

The FDA requires that all psychiatric medications be tested in animal

studies for possible enhanced cancer risk. These are usually done with

rodents. However, medications are often approved even if the medication

causes cancer in rats. The box score on three drugs is as follows:

 

Paxil: Male rats exhibited increased incidence of lymphoreticular tumors &

cell sarcomas.

 

Prozac: No evidence of carcinogenesis.

 

Zyprexa: Mammary gland adenomas and adenocarcinomas found in rats,

suggesting possible increased risk of breast cancer. Increased prolactin

levels which has been associated with increased risk of hormonal

cancers....breast, ovarian, etc. Also one of two studies indicated

increased

incidence of liver cancer. (Feb 24, 2003)

 

Asperger's Syndrome

 

Asperger's Syndrome. True Aspergers is a striking and disabling

disorderwhich often involves " Rainman-Type " abilities and terrible social

skills. We're now seeing that many bright kids with poor social skills

(often called " nerds " ) are inappropriately labeled with this

autism-spectrum

disorder.

 

One of the " treatments of choice " for autism is Risperdal, and it is given

freely to tens of thousands of children under the age of 5 years. I'm

especially concerned about its frequent use for autistics under the age of

3, when their little brains are still developing and maturing. There are

legitimate concerns about Risperdal for teens, but the situation in autism

is even more alarming.

 

Autism

 

Autism involves a powerful genetic component, so the real question is

whether these genetically autism-prone children are hypersensitive to

mercury. Recent research has shown that autistics are severely depleted in

metallothionein, a protein needed for the body & brain to cope with

mercury

& other toxic metals. There is a definite possibility that a mercury

preservative in a vaccine could harm such a child.

 

The concordance of autism in identical twins is 60%. The recipe for autism

appears to be (1) a genetic predisposition plus (2) an environmental

insult.

We've had a set of identical twins at our clinic in which one was a

productive, high-functioning adult and the sibling was a mute autistic

with

wild mood swings who was institutionalized. (9 Jan, 2003)

 

We have seen more than 2,000 autism-spectrum children.... and agree

completely about the value of sensory imputs. I've become convinced

that the

primary problem in autism is not so much a damaged brain, but rather a

brain

that has not completely matured. PT, OT, etc shower the brain with stimuli

which enhance development of new neuronal connections which are especially

needed in the hippocampus & amygdala of autistics. Biochemical therapies

which normalize the pruning, development, and growth inhibition

processes in

the brain are also vital. (Feb 3, 2003)

 

My clinic has seen more than 2,500 autism-spectrum children and I'm

convinced that most of these kids have above average intelligence. We've

seen many who were labeled " retarded " with IQ scores below 50..... who

later

had IQ scores above 120 following therapies such as CF/GF diets,

metallothionein-promotion, normalization of the G.I. tract, behavioral

therapies, etc. The problem is with the test methods, not the innate

intelligence of the children.

 

Unfortunately, DSM-IV itself is perpetuating this myth! Page 67 of DSM-IV,

Fourth Edition, Section 299.00 Autistic Disorder ......states the

following:

" In most cases there is an associated diagnosis of mental retardation,

commonly in the moderate range (IQ 35-50). Approximately 75% of children

with Autistic Disorder function at a retarded level. "

 

DSM-IV should not give currency to the high incidence of inappropriate

diagnoses of retardation nor to incorrect IQ scores for these

difficult-to-test children.

 

Most traditional autism experts believe that autism is " incurable " and

that

the associated " mental retardation " cannot be reversed. This is so

wrong!!!

There are tens of thousands of families that despair upon hearing this

pronouncement..... and just give up! Please continue your efforts to

get the

truth out --- It could make a big difference in the life of many of these

children. (Feb 20, 2003)

 

For years, autism was the most difficult population for our clinic to work

with, compared to persons diagnosed with behavior disorders, ADHD,

depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar, or schizophrenia. However,

this has

changed following our discovery of the central importance of the

metallothionein protein in ASD and development of

metallothionein-promotion

therapy

 

At Dr. Rimland's request, we carried out a small outcome study about 6

months ago which measured the impact of MT-Promotion for 46 patients. I

presented the results at a D.A.N. " Think Tank " at which Dr. Amy Holmes'

outcome results for MT-Promotion were presented by Stephanie Cave.

There is

no doubt that autism outcomes are far better at the Pfeiffer Center since

MT-Promotion. Our group of 46 patients ranged from ages 3 to 18. A few of

the families were unable to achieve compliance & a couple others gave up

after a couple of days. More than 85% of the 41 families that achieved

compliance reported impressive gains in cognition, speech, and

socialization. More than 20% reported irritability and sleep problems,

usually coincident with improved cognition or speech. Only 10% of the

compliant families reported zero progress.

 

We found the greatest improvements were obtained with younger children,

including a significant number whose autism was rapidly disappearing.

However, our data showed definite (but slower) improvement in the autistic

teenagers. A few examples: A mother from New Hampshire reported that her

mute 17 year old daughter began speaking after 6 weeks of MT

Promotion. A 13

year old girl from Virginia began talking after the first month. A 4 year

old in Illinois who could only say a few words.... began speaking in

complex

sentences after 5 days of MT-Promotion. A socially isolated 7 yr old

son of

a doctor became very friendly & communicative during the first month.

We now

have many dozens of such outcomes.

 

Dr. Holmes' population was much younger than ours, and her results

indicated

even higher efficacy than we had achieved. It was nice to have efficacy

confirmed by an independent third party. Early intervention is essential,

but benefits are possible for the older children also.

 

We are organizing a much larger and more scientific outcome study which

should begin in a couple weeks.

 

Children between 2-4 years of age generally respond within a week or two.

Since their little brains are still actively engaged in the brain-cell

pruning, development, and growth inhibition processes..... the impact

can be

much greater. Families of ASD persons over the age of 20 have reported

nice

partial improvement after our treatment, but we've yet to experience a

case

in which a 20+ year old became completely free of autism symptoms.

 

My guess is that once MT normalization is attained, a simplified

maintenance

therapy can be implemented. Also there is a very good chance that CF/GF

diets, yeast therapies, digestive enzymes, etc, will become unnecessary at

that time. However, at present we recommend these therapies be

continued..... just in case the genetically-weak MT system cannot be fully

normalized. We should know a lot more within a year or so. (Feb 22, 2003)

 

I believe this can all be explained by the fact that estrogen and

progesterone enhance metallothionein, whereas testosterone suppresses it.

Therefore, given the same genetic tendency for weak metallothionein

function, females would be more protected against environmental stresses

which can trigger autism as they would have more MT to combat stresses.

 

Also, if the environmental triggers of autism have increased in recent

years, you would expect the disparity in male/female incidence to drop. In

essence each autism-prone child has a threshold with respect to

environmental insults. In boys the threshold in lower. As the environment

worsens, we get higher up on the statistical bell curve in both males and

females & the disparity should moderate.

 

In my opinion, a wide variety of environmental triggers can trigger

autism,

including oxidative stress (e.g., mercury), immune crises (e.g. multiple

vaccines or serious illness), severe emotional or physical stress, etc. It

is very possible that the stress of circumcision could cripple

metallothionein & impair brain development, at least temporarily. I'm not

aware of peer-reviewed evidence of differences in autism incidence between

circumcised and non-circumcised children.

 

Stresses of all kinds deplete metallothionein..... In persons without

metal-metabolism disorders, the stress automatically induces production of

more metallothionein. In autism, the metallothionein system has gone AWOL.

(May 17, 2003)

 

There is no longer any doubt that autism results from a combination of

genetic predisposition and environmental factors. Identical twins reared

apart have an autism concordance of 60%...... This shows a powerful

genetic

influence, but the fact that the concordance isn't 100% clearly shows that

environment factors are also involved. I once tested a pair of identical

twins (age 38) in which one was a successful professional writer & the

other

was an institutionalized severely-autistic mute young man who needed to be

physically restrained. They were quite different from the day they were

born.

 

In our database of 2,500 autistics, about 30% of the families reported

autism symptoms from birth with the remaining 70% of autistics exhibiting

" regressive autism " with typical onset between the ages of 16 to 22

months.

 

Yes, the ratio of boys/girls has declined in the past 6 decades & the

causes

for the lessened maleness are certainly environmental. Also, there is

mounting evidence that the overall incidence of autism has increased

rapidly

since 1990..... Again, environmental factors must be responsible. There is

great public debate over the possible role of vaccinations or mercury

preservatives in the vaccines. My personal opinion is that a wide

variety of

environmental stresses and toxins can contribute to the onset of autism.

Your suggestion that circumcision and infant separation may be among

them..... appears quite plausible. (June 9, 2003)

 

At the request of an autism parent group about 6 months ago, I checked out

iron levels in our population of 3,000 autism patients. We found that

autistic children exhibited higher serum iron levels than controls

(non-autistic, healthy children). However, all of the differences occurred

in about 1/3 of the autism population with the other 2/3 resembling the

controls. The high iron kids were extremely high, the rest of the

autistics

were quite normal, and there was little or no " middle ground " . It appears

that a segment of the autism population has very abnormal iron metabolism

(and abnormal ceruloplasmin).

 

My data essentially confirms the findings of the M.H. article. Iron free

radicals (ions) represent the primary oxidative stress in the brain of

most

humans. Autism involves oxidative stress during early brain

development. In

theory, elevated iron in the brain could result in autism. A genetic

inability to regulate iron might be causative in 1/3 of autism cases.

(Sep

15, 2003)

 

We are engaged in a foundation-funded study measuring estrogen,

progesterone, testosterone, and other hormones in autistic subjects and

age/gender matched controls. We expect to have the first data in a few

weeks.

 

This is an area of interest since (a) there have been several reliable

reports of efficacy using progesterone cream for autistics, and (b)

progesterone and estrogen promote synthesis of metallothionein &

testosterone inhibits MT. If autistics exhibit consistently abnormal

levels,

we plan to develop a hormone-normalizing therapy. (Oct 29, 2003)

 

After studying 3,200 autism-spectrum children & adults at our clinic, I am

convinced that autism is caused by a genetic inability to cope with

oxidative stress, involving weak functioning of the neuroprotective

metallothionein/glutathione system. This condition results in inability to

regulate Cu and Zn, hypersensitivity to metal toxics, extremely poor

immune

function & hypersensitivity to vaccines, yeast overgrowth, inability to

break down casein & gluten, and worst of all..... incomplete maturation of

brain cells and synaptic connections.... especially in hippocampus,

amygdala, Purkinje cells, inferior olives, and pineal gland.

 

There are many environmental insults which can trigger autism in a

genetically predisposed child. Mercury is just one of the many

possibilities. Mercury (Thimerosal) is an unnecessary health risk and

should

be banned forever. However, I expect that elimination of mercury from

infant

vaccines will not stop the epidemic in autism cases, because of the other

environmental triggers which remain.

 

I once met a health-conscious mother who had been hypervigilant prior

to her

pregnancy. She had avoided all amalgams & had her husband's amalgams

removed

2 years before conception. Her diet was exemplary before and during the

pregnancy, and she & her husband carefully avoided potential environmental

insults including vaccines. She was crushed to discover that her baby

exhibited severe autism soon after birth. She stated that she was

amazed and

horrified that this had happened. A little digging revealed that she had a

severe infection during the 7th and 8th months of gestation. This

apparently

was sufficient to cripple the MT/GSH system during a critical phase of

brain

development. A very sad case.

 

Our Center's autism outcomes have greatly improved since beginning

metallothionein-promotion therapy. It's no longer a surprise when a young

autistic child becomes free of all traces of autism. We are a public

charity

and have made this protocol available to more than 100 doctors, many

of whom

report treatment successes. MT-Promotion must be done very carefully to

avoid zinc depletion which can result in temporary worsening of behavior,

stimming, enuresis, etc.

 

We are beginning a funded study which we expect will provide strong

evidence

of severe oxidative stress/damage in 100% of autism subjects. We'll be

measuring isoprostanes, levuglandins, and pyrrole adducts, etc., in

autistics and age/gender controls. (Nov 3, 2003)

 

ASD usually involves multple chemical imbalances, including....

 

1. Metallothionein Deficiency

2. Extreme Oxidative Stress

3. Undermethylation (more than 50% of ASD)

4. Overmethylation (about 10-15 % of ASD)

5. Maldigestion and/or malabsorption

6. Elevated GSSH/GSH ratio

7. Elevated Cu/Zn ratio..... etc.

 

Most ASD individuals exhibit a genetic tendency for undermethylation. A

relative few exhibit a genetic tendency for overmethylation. However, it's

important to consider the impact of (1) inadequate diet and (2)

inefficient

digestion/absorption which is present in most of these individuals.

Regardless of innate tendency for methylation, many ASD individuals are

starved for all components of the SAM cycle and MTHF. In other words, they

are deficient (across the board) in most nutrients. Two of the greatest

deficiencies in ASD appear to be B-12 and methionine. B-12 is one of the

most difficult vitamins to assimilate in healthy persons, and the

situation

is much worse if significant G.I. tract problems exist. The principal

source

of methyl groups is methionine from dietary protein. However, most ASD

children receive inadequate amounts of dietary protein AND are very

inefficient in cleaving the complex proteins into the amino acid units to

enable absorption. Folic acid is also in a deficiency state in many ASD

children...... including children with a genetic tendency for

overmethylation and folic acid overload.

 

Supplementation of any nutrients which are in a deficiency state leads to

better health and overall functioning. However, care must be taken to

limit

the supplementation of nutrients which tend toward overload (for genetic

reasons).

 

Therefore supplementation of folic acid and B-12 can help an

undermethylated

ASD child who is deficient in these nutrients. However, these same

children

TEND to develop excessive levels of folates.... and vigilance is needed to

avoid going beyond correctioon of the folate deficiency.

 

The same is true with respect to supplementing methionine to malabsorbing

persons with a genetic tendency for overmethylation. A patient can benefit

from overcoming the deficiency, but you have to be careful not to

overshoot

the methyl levels.

 

Managing methyl/folate levels is complicated enough, without adding the

factor of severe maldigestion/malabsorption. Autism is the most complex

disorder in our clinical population. We find it very helpful to address a

person's biochemical individuality in determining the best therapeutic

protocol.

 

We have seen more than 3,500 patients in the autism spectrum. It's clear

that most of them suffer from some degree of gluten intolerance and most

families report significant improvements following gluten-free diets. In

this case, severe zinc deficiency and intestinal oxidative stress cripple

the synthesis of the enzymes needed to break down gluten.

 

B6

 

The dangers of B-6 have been greatly overexaggerated. The original

concerns

began with a university study 25 years ago in which volunteer students

were

paid to take B-6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride) doses ranging from zero to

10,000 mg daily. After a few weeks, a number of the students taking doses

higher than 5,000 mg/day reported a loss of sensation in areas of the

skin.

The study was stopped and in every case the symptom completely

disappeared.

This result became widely known & the side effect was identified as

neuropathy.

 

Within a few years, similar neuropathy was observed in a small fraction of

persons taking megadoses of 2,000 mg/day and for a while B-6 dosages were

limited to 1,000 mg/day. Later, there were rare cases of persons who

experienced temporary neuropathy with doses of a few hundred mgs. In the

hundreds of neuropathy cases, the neuropathy completely disappeared after

stopping the B-6. The effect a temporary one, and I'm unaware of

anyone ever

being permanently " hurt " by B-6.

 

Persons who have normal metabolism of B-6 need only a couple of milligrams

daily, which is easily obtained from their diet. However, there are many

persons with metabolic disorders which result in innate B-6

deficiency.....These persons may need 100 to 1,000 mg/day of B-6 to

normalize B-6 levels in the body. An example is provided by the genetic

disorder pyroluria, in which B-6 is stripped from the bloodstream by

kryptopyrrole/hemepyrrole molecules.

 

In a nutshell, most persons have no need for B-6 supplements, whereas

innately B-6 deficient persons may need hundreds of mg/day to

normalize B-6

activity. B-6 toxicity occurs only in persons who already have

sufficient or

elevated B-6 levels.

 

Another indicator of B-6 overload is the onset of vivid, troubling dreams.

When that occurs in a patient, the B-6 dose can be lowered before

neuropathy

begins.

 

There are many nutrients that have serious dangers associated with

overdose...... B-6 is not one of them. Examples of potentially-dangerous

nutrients include the fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E), copper, and

selenium.

(Feb 19, 2003)

In the 1980's, I was collaborating with the late (and great) Dr. Carl

Pfeiffer in developing nutrient programs for troubled individuals.

In1986 we

discovered that certain malabsorbers didn't respond well to B-6 in the

form

of pyridoxine hydrochloride, but were helped greatly by the P-5-P form of

B-6. For about a year we used P-5-P exclusively in treating B-6

deficiencies..... However, we later discovered that certain patients

responded better to pyridoxal hydrochloride than to P-5-P. Thereafter, we

provided both forms of B-6 in treating B-6 deficiency. A typical B-6

deficient patient might receive 300 mg pyridoxine hydrochloride and 50 mg

P-5-P daily.

 

This practice has continued at the Pfeiffer Treatment Center over the past

13 years, with most patients receiving both " regular " B-6 and P-5-P.

We tend

to emphasize P-5-P for persons with malabsorption, maldigestion, or other

gut problems...... with other patients receiving a balanced mix of the two

forms of B-6. (Feb 20, 2003)

 

I've worked with more than 3,000 patients who received at least 500 mg/day

of B-6. I know of only 2-3 dozen cases in which neuropathy symptoms

occurred..... In these cases we had incorrectly believed there was severe

B-6 deficiency. In every case, the neuropathy disappeared after

stopping the

B-6. Nobody was harmed.

 

The incidence of skin neuropathy after megadoses of B-6 is rare, but real.

The specter of permanent harm from B-6 appears to be a myth. I am

unaware of

a single case. (Feb 22, 2003)

 

Bipolar Disorder

 

Bipolar disorder is not a single condition, but an umbrella term which

includes a number of very different biochemical abnormalities. I'm

bothered

by any attempt to generalize over the bipolar phenotypes & to blindly

recommend any formulation or therapy for all of them. The key is to

determine a patient's biochemical individuality, and to provide focused

appropriate treatment. In our database of 1,500 bipolar patients,

about 25%

are overmethylated, 35% are undermethylated, and the remaining 40% do not

exhibit a methylation disorder.

 

The three primary biochemical classifications of bipolar disorder are the

following:

 

A. Undermethylation: This condition is innate & is characterized by low

levels of serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, high whole blood

histamine and elevated absolute basophils. This population has a high

incidence of seasonal allergies, OCD tendencies, perfectionism, high

libido,

sparse body hair, and several other characteristics. They usually respond

well to methionine, SAMe, calcium, magnesium, omega-3 essential oils

(DHA &

EPA), B-6, inositol, and vitamins A, C, and E. They should avoid

supplements

containing folic acid. In severe cases involving psychosis, the dominant

symptom is usually delusional thinking rather than hallucinations.

They tend

to speak very little & may sit motionless for extended periods. They may

appear outwardly calm, but suffer from extreme internal anxiety.

 

B. Overmethylation: This condition is the biochemical opposite of

undermethylation. It is characterized by elevated levels of serotonin,

dopamine, and norepinephrine, low whole blood histamine, and low absolute

basophils. This population is characterized by the following typical

symptoms: Absence of seasonal, inhalent allergies, but a multitude of

chemical or food sensitivities, high anxiety which is evident to all, low

libido, obsessions but not compulsions, tendency for paranoia and auditory

hallucinations, underachievement as a child, heavy body hair,

hyperactivity,

" nervous " legs, and grandiosity. They usually respond well to folic acid,

B-12, niacinamide, DMAE, choline, manganese, zinc, omega-3 essential oils

(DHA and EPA) and vitamins C and E, but should avoid supplements of

methionine, SAMe, inositol, TMG and DMG.

 

C. Pyrrole Disorder: This condition, also called pyroluria, is a genetic

stress disorder associated with severe mood swings, high anxiety, and

depression. The biochemical signature of this disorder includes elevated

urine kryptopyrroles, a double deficiency of zinc and B-6, and low

levels of

arachidonic acid. Pyrolurics are devastated by stresses including physical

injury emotional trauma, illness, sleep deprivation, etc. Symptoms include

sensitivity to light and loud noises, tendency to skip breakfast, dry

skin,

abnormal fat distribution, rage episodes, little or no dream recall,

reading

disorders, underachievement, histrionic behaviors, and severe anxiety.

They

usually respond quickly to supplements of zinc, B-6, Primrose Oil, and

augmenting nutrients.

 

To me, a bipolar patient who becomes " well " with greatly-reduced

medication

requirements may have achieved complete success. I don't believe that

medication doses need to go to zero, as long as side effects are

absent and

long-term effects are minimal or absent.

 

Incidence of bipolar depression (diagnosis during lifetime):

 

TOTAL POPULATION OF ADOPTEES ... INCIDENCE = 4.5%

FRATERNAL TWINS SEPARATED AT BIRTH .... Concordance = 32%

IDENTICAL TWINS SEPARATED AT BIRTH .... Concordance = 80%

 

We have seen more than 1,500 patients diagnosed with bipolar disorder,

including a few hundred who presented with a diagnosis of " rapid-cycle "

bipolar disorder. Many of the rapid cycle patients exhibited a severe

pyrrole disorder as their primary imbalance. The key lab test is urine

kryptopyrroles. Most " pyrolurics " are prone to high anxiety, severe mood

swings, depression, and may be famous for their temper. Classic symptoms

include aversion to eating breakfast, poor dream recall, sensitivity to

bright lights & loud noises, abnormal fat distribution, poor short-term

memory (often coincident with good long-term memory), and very poor stress

control. (Feb 27, 2003)

 

We have worked with more than 1500 bipolar patients & found that most have

an atrocious diet. I remember one young man whose only dietary intake for

the past month consisted of Pepsi and potato chips.

 

In our experience, best results are achieved with a two-step

procedure: (1)

biochemical treatment followed by (2) life-style changes including a

better

diet. We learned the hard way that most bipolars are incapable of

life-style

changes until after their chemical imbalances have been corrected (or at

least lessened). Once real biochemical progress has been made, the patient

is more functional and real dietary improvements can be achieved.

Trying to

everything at once tends to overwhelm the patient, and they usually

give up.

(March 6, 2003)

 

About 20% of patients labeled as bipolar have a pyrrole disorder (genetic)

which is associated with (a) fatty acid abnormalities, especially

depressed

arachidonic acid, (b) strikingly weak immune function, and © severe

metal

oxidative stress. The definitive test for the pyrrole disorder is

urinalysis

for kryptopyrroles (Direct Healthcare Access is the lab, 847/299-2440).

These patients might benefit greatly from therapy concentrating on zinc,

B-6, and primrose oil (or borage oil). Omega-3 oils can make things worse

because of the competition for Zn & B-6 between delta-5 desaturase and

delta-6 desaturase.

 

If a patient has a pyrrole disorder he/she likely would have at least half

of the following symptoms:

 

Poor stress control

Sensitivity to bright lights and/or loud noises

Preference for spicy or heavily flavored foods

Significant growth after age 16

Morning nausea

Tendency to skip breakfast

Poor dream recall

Emotional outbursts

Poor short-term memory, perhaps coincident with excellent L.T. memory

Diagnosis of " rapid-cycle " bipolar

Much higher capability & alertness in the evening, compared to mornings

Dry skin

Reading disorder. (March 27, 2003)

 

DMAE passes the blood-brain barrier and converts to choline in the brain.

Therefore it has cholinergic action & enhances formation of acetylcholine.

As a result DMAE is generally very useful in treatment of high

dopamine (low

histamine, overmethylated) persons, but can seriously harm low dopamine,

high histamine, undermethylated persons. We've seen more than 1,500

bipolar

patients and confirmed that DMAE is generally effective for the

overmethylated phenotype (25% of bipolar cases), but causes great

worsening

for those who are undermethylated (40% of bipolar cases). DMAE definitely

should not be used indiscriminately for persons with serious mental

illness.

(Aug 15, 2003)

 

Childhood Bipolar Disorder. There has been an explosion in this dubious

diagnosis in the past 5 years. It represents an attempt to predict which

children are headed for a bipolar-type mental breakdown -- The usual

result

is early intervention with powerful atypical antipsychotic medication.

 

A very high percentage of our incoming bipolar patients exhibit elevated

liver enzymes, undoubtedly a result of the added stress on the liver

due to

powerful psychiatric medications. There is plenty of published data

showing

that many psychiatric meds can cause cirrhosis of the liver.

 

The benefits of psychiatric medications are often exaggerated and the

risks

minimized. A very common side effect of psychiatric medications is death.

 

 

Candida

 

Another effective way to combat candida is using zinc therapy. Candida is

killed by metallothionein (MT) proteins which are normally in high

concentration in intestinal mucosa. MT is induced by zinc. Many

persons with

candida are low zinc and low MT persons. They usually exhibit low zinc in

plasma, serum, or packed cells, but high zinc in hair. You can expect

chronic candida problems until zinc is normalized. In a sense, zinc can be

an effective weapon in your anti-candida arsenal. Typical anti-candida

therapies (including dietary restrictions) can manage the problem for a

while....... Maintenance supplementation with zinc (after these

interventions) can permanently fix the problem, in many cases, without the

need to continue dietary vigilance. (Feb 5, 2003)

 

Celiac Disease, Wheat and Dairy Sensitivity

 

There are classic symptoms/markers of gluten intolerance which enable

you to

determine the small percentage that have symptoms consistent with this

disorder. Examples are (1) compulsive, ritualistic behavior, (2) family

history of malabsorption, (3) frequent, explosive bowel movements, (4)

lethargy, (5) abdominal pain, and (6) Dermatitis Herpetiformis (skin

disorder). One could screen the population for the presence of some of

these

markers of celiac disease & then perform diagnostic tests to nail it down.

(11 Jan, 2003)

 

Severe wheat gluten intolerance can cause classic symptoms of

schizophrenia,

and amounts to about 4% of all schizophrenia diagnoses in the U.S. These

persons usually become quite normal when placed on a gluten-free diet.

Psychiatry continues to ignore the small, but significant, population,

estimated at 100,000 to 300,000 Americans. These people are usually

treated

with atypical anti-psychotic medications, but simply need a dietary change

to become free of symptoms. (11 Jan, 2003)

Our Center has evaluated and treated nearly 20,000 persons. About 1,500 of

them have reported terrible reactions to wheat and/or dairy. The

wheat/dairy

sensitive population is composed of two major groups:

 

Group A consists of those people who are truly allergic to these foods &

must make the lifetime commitment to total avoidance of these foods.

Failure

to accomplish this could result in irritability, violent behavior, ADD,

depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, delusional disorder, schizophrenia,

not to mention malabsorption & terrible physical health.

 

Group B consists of persons who have severe reactions to wheat and/or

dairy

solely because of a genetic or acquired oxidative stress condition.

Fix the

oxidative stress in the G.I. tract & the food sensitivities disappear.

Moreover, merely avoiding wheat/dairy will provide only partial

benefits to

this group..... because the untreated oxidative stress could result in

toxic

metal overload, yeast overgrowth, copper dysregulation, weakened immune

system, abnormal levels of dopamine and norepinephrine, impaired

hippocampal

and amygdala function, etc. The net result can be behavior disorders,

depression, severe mental illness, frequent infections, and an increased

tendency for cancer.

 

In summary, most Group A persons can be successfully treated with dietary

restrictions alone. Persons in Group B must have therapy which focuses of

normalizing the level of oxidative stress. (Sep 2, 2003)

 

Choline

 

Phosphatidyl choline is also very effective in protecting DHA/EPA from

free

radical oxidative stress..... another good reason to take it. In my

experience DMAE is especially effective for increasing acetylcholine

levels

in the brain, since it passes the blood/brain barrier & converts to

choline.

I like to use this for overmethylated persons who have excessive dopamine

and norepinephrine levels. However, enhancing acetylcholine activity

must be

avoided in persons who genetically are overloaded in this NT. Choline,

DMAE,

and phosphatidyl choline can cause nasty symptoms in these persons (about

10% of the population).

 

Persons with innately high acetylcholine levels tend to be very tense and

sometimes nearly catatonic. They have very high anxiety, but usually keep

it inside. They also usually have a history of seasonal allergies,

perfectionism, and OCD tendencies. Increasing acetylcholine activity

can be

a disaster for them.

 

Those deficient in acetylcholine usually present with nervous legs, are

prone to pacing, and are quite voluble. Their misery is plain to everyone.

Therapies to increase acetylcholine activity can be extraordinarily

helpful

for this population. (March 6, 2003)

 

Copper

 

A complication is that blood levels of copper can be very low in

persons who

have severe copper overload. The classic example is Wilson's Disease in

which the liver accumulates huge amounts of copper. These same Wilson's

patients usually exhibit very LOW levels of Cu in blood.....also the

exhibit

extraordinary low levels of ceruloplasmin. Is essence their blood contains

little copper, but the blood Cu is predominantly in " unbound " form.

 

Years ago, we mistakingly thought low blood serum or RBC copper levels

meant

Cu deficiency..... and in a few cases we cautiously gave Cu supplements in

an attempt to correct the situation. Most of these patients reacted

badly to

the Cu. Proper evaluation of copper status requires both serum Cu and

serum

ceruloplasmin tests.

 

Hair mineral copper is very valuable for behavior disorders and ADHD

patients, but is of far less clinical value for autism, bipolar, and

schizophrenia populations.

 

Giving supplemental Cu to patients is a risky business. It should be

considered only in those who exhibit sufficient ceruloplasmin to

accomadate

between 80 and 95% of the Cu present. (April 10, 2003)

 

Selenium deficiency itself could result in a nasty copper elevation.

Metallothionein at the intestinal mucosa and in the liver is the primary

agent which regulates copper in the body. Selenium is needed for efficient

metallothionein functioning.

 

Carl Pfeiffer of Princeton, NJ tested more than 25,000 persons for

copper &

reported that Cu toxicity was common, but Cu deficiency extremely rare. We

have investigated the metal-metabolism of about 20,000 persons & found the

same thing. I admit there are theoretical rationale for expecting copper

deficiency, but it rarely actually happens.

 

Hair analysis ALONE is a very poor way to assess copper status. I say this

after (a) evaluating more than 100,000 hair analyses, (b) developing the

first high-quality hair standards (loaned to NIH and other

researchers), and

© performing numerous double-blind, controlled experiments involving

hair

chemistries. Findings of high Cu levels in hair are compromised by the

many

external sources of Cu which cannot be completely removed by washing. Low

levels of Cu in hair and/or blood often are coincident with dangerous

overloads of Cu in liver. Hair Cu values can provide information of

clinical

significance, but by itself is not clinically decisive.

 

Serum Cu indicates the total amount of Cu in serum. Serum ceruloplasmin

indicates the fraction of serum Cu that is bound as ceruloplasmin. A

simple

calculation (paying attention to the assay units) yields the numbers for

comparison. Most copper experts agree that the normal or " healthy "

situation

is to have about 80 to 95% of the serum Cu present as ceruloplasmin.

 

A high fraction of " unbound " Cu is a good indicator of oxidative

stress and

low metallothionein activity...... and also a warning to NOT to supplement

with Cu, even if serum/RBC/hair levels of copper are low. In addition, one

should consider possible environmental sources of Cu, especially drinking

water and swimming pools/jacuzzis treated with copper sulfate (to kill

algae.) (April 11, 2003)

 

The ceruloplasmin analysis indicates the amount of Cu properly bound

to this

protein (Should be 80-95% of total serum Cu). If serum and hair Cu are

low,

a high proportion of " unbound " Cu is a warning signal that there might

be a

Wilson's Disease-like situation...... Low serum/hair copper, but severe Cu

overload in the liver. In some cases, testing for possible Wilson's

Disease

is indicated.

 

Usually, the question is whether there is a Cu overload. The incidence of

true Cu deficiency/depletion is very low. (April 14, 2003)

 

High copper females respond very well to therapy with zinc, B-6, P-5-P, C,

E..... However the Zn should be introduced slowly..... for example 25

mg....50 mg.... 75 mg..... and given either at bedtime or after the

evening

meal. B-6 and P5P should be given before noon. Failure to phase in the Zn

slowly would be likely to result in temporary worsening of symptoms

over the

first few weeks.

 

She should avoid estrogen therapy, drink bottled water, and limit high-Cu

foods like chocolate, carob, and shellfish.

 

If her primary imbalance is the Cu overload, very little improvement is

likely during the first 3 weeks..... followed by striking improvement

thereafter. If the patient is clearly better during the first week,

this is

probably due to overcoming the pyrrole disorder. In her case, you

might get

a nice initial improvement which is partial in nature..... followed by a

plateau of several weeks before more progress is made. (April 14, 2003)

 

Crime & Violence

We've spent the past 25 years studying behavior disorders and have

accumulated the world's biggest & best chemistry database for behavior. We

have about 100 separate chemical assays of blood, urine, and hair for more

than 12,000 behavior-disordered persons, including participation in 28

forensics studies of folks like Charles Manson, Richard Speck, Henry Lee

Lucas, and James Oliver Huberty. This database clearly shows violent,

delinquent persons to have striking biochemical differences, compared

to the

general population. The late & great Carl Pfeiffer helped me over the last

12 years of his life to development biochemical, non-drug treatments for

these chemical imbalances.

 

The Pfeiffer Treatment Center was named for Carl Pfeiffer, MD, PhD of

Princeton, NJ .... for his great contributions to our work. He died 6

months

before the Center opened in 1989.

 

The Pfeiffer Center has completed several outcome studies measuring

efficacy

of this treatment system. The latest one involves 207 consecutive patients

in which we carefully determined the frequency of physical assaults and

destruction of property before & after treatment. I've completed a

manuscript for this study which will be published in the journal,

Physiology

and Behavior, hopefully within 4-6 months. The results are quite

spectacular

 

This study indicates excellent efficacy for young persons.... 0-16 yrs of

age.... with sharply declining efficacy at older ages. The decline

seems to

coincide with the onset of drugs & alcohol abuse. I am sorry to say

that our

experience with adult ex-convicts is not very good & the information you

received about 95% success in overcoming recidivism in violent

criminals is

not true. However, about 90% of compliant YOUNGER violent/delinquent

persons

respond very nicely to the Pfeiffer therapy.... About 60% of these report

complete elimination of assaults and property destruction, with the other

30% reporting excellent partial improvements. Maybe some day we'll be

smart

enough to help the older offenders too.

 

We believe that America's best hope for effective crime prevention is

early

identification of at-risk youths and effective treatment before their

lives

are ruined. I'm certain that stimulant drugs and/or psychiatric

medications

are not the answer. (Feb 6, 2003)

Many years ago I did a study examining chemistry differences between male

siblings in which one was a violent delinquent and the other a

well-behaved

child. We balanced age and birth order and accepted only those who

lived in

the same household and attended the same school.

 

I clearly remember a family living in the squalor of Chicago's south side

black ghetto...... The father was in Stateville Prison for murder.... the

mother was a prostitute who sometimes entertained her " guests " at home in

the presence of the children. The boys were age 10 and 11 and both had

suffered physical and sexual abuse from the customers. I've never seen a

worse environment..... I remember being very nervous just driving into the

neighborhood.

 

The 10 yr old was oppositional, defiant, cruel, truant, and was

already in a

violent gang. However, his 11 yr old brother was quite amazing...... a

well-behaved, polite young man who was an excellent student and also class

president. For years I wondered how such a miracle could have happened.

 

We eventually found 24 families that included an " all-American boy " and a

" child from hell " . The ill-behaved children had clear chemistry

abnormalities whereas the well-behaved ones generally exhibited expected

trace-metal levels.

 

This experiment was a watershed experience for me. For the first time

I knew

that environment wasn't the only causative factor in behavior

disorders and

ADHD..... that disordered biochemistry (probably genetic) also played a

role.

 

In studying nearly 10,000 behavior-disordered children & adults since that

time, I've learned the following:

 

1. A child born with ideal body/brain chemistry is nearly indestructible,

and may thrive in a terrible environment.

 

2. A child with a MILD chemical predisposition to violence may turn out

fine, if the environment is good and there are resources for counseling,

etc. The same child might wind up in prison if born into poverty or an

otherwise terrible environment.

 

3. A child born with a SEVERE chemical imbalance will exhibit terrible

behavior, even in an ideal environment. You can't just " love away " a

severe

brain chemical imbalance. My group once visited and tested Charles

Manson at

San Quentin prison..... his chemistry was so extraordinarily aberrant

that I

am convinced that if adopted into a different family, Manson would have

turned out the same. (July 28, 2003)

 

In the beginning, we had no way of knowing if the biochemical differences

were a causative factor or simply an association. I decided the

quickest way

to find out would be to correct the aberrant chemistry of the violent

children to see if the behaviors changed. 10,000 behavior patients

later, I

can report that the bad behavior in young children usually disappears

completely when the chemistry is balanced. Children under the age of 10

usually correct beautifully without counseling of any kind. However, older

children (14+) benefit greatly from counseling, behavior mod, conflict

resolution, etc after the chemistry is corrected. I'm not sure if this is

because of an ingrained negative self-image, poor social skills, or

problems

in breaking the bad behavioral habits. All I know is that

counseling/therapy

seems necessary with teens, even after the chemistry has been normalized.

We've also learned that adult criminals generally fail to achieve enduring

benefits with our biochemical (non-drug) therapies. Most are back in jail

within 5 years. We are on a mission to identify the at-risk children and

intervene with effective therapy before their lives are ruined. The window

of opportunity (for severe cases) begins to close in the early teen years.

Drug and alcohol abuse may be major factors in this phenomenon.

 

Most children with a predisposition to bad behavior have chemistry

imbalances which are fairly mild, and for this large group.....

environment

and life experiences rule. For them, early traumae might be the deciding

factor. (July 28, 2003)

 

 

Coral Calcium

The calcium in Coral Calcium is mostly calcium carbonate, which

provides the

highest amount of calcium absorbed per unit volume. CaCO3 is 40 w/o

calcium

and is quite dense. Many manufacturers claim higher calcium absorption

on a

percent basis for low density products like calcium glycinate. A lot

of this

is deceptive marketing. A capsule of calcium carbonate will result in more

calcium in your bloodstream than a same-size capsule of any other form of

calcium.

 

That's the good news about CaCO3. The bad news is that CaCO3 can result in

nasty stomach & intestinal problems in sensitive persons. In some

cases, all

hell can break loose. In my opinion, CaCO3 (not Coral Calcium) is the best

option for persons who don't experience side effects..... lowest volume to

swallow down and lowest cost. For sensitive persons, some of the calcium

blends are very absorbable with reasonable volume, low cost, and minimal

side effects.

 

A significant advantage of Coral Calcium is the presence of a multitude of

micro-nutrients that are unavailable in most supplements. Things like

praesodymium, erbium, etc. Every year we discover another micro-nutrient

with a vital function in the body. The " good " impurities in a natural

product like Coral Calcium could be significant. Of course the " bad "

impurities such as lead or mercury MUST be at a negliglble level for the

supplement to provide benefits. (April 17, 2003)

 

Depression

After getting extensive biochemical data on more than 3,000 persons

diagnosed with clinical depression, we found that 95% of them fit neatly

into one of 5 separate biochemical classifications. Depression is not a

single condition, but an umbrella term covering several completely

different

conditions. Anyway, we believe we have identified the 5 primary

phenotypes..... each with their own classic symptoms and each with

completely different treatment needs.

 

1) High Histamine (under-methylated)

 

40-70 is optimum histamine range for mental health considerations.

Histamine

is an important neurotransmitter which affects human behavior. This

syndrome

often involves seasonal variations in depression, obsessive-compulsive

behavior, inhalant allergies, and frequent headaches. In severe cases

involving psychosis, the dominant symptom is usually delusional thinking

rather than hallucinations. They tend to speak very little and may sit

motionless for extended periods. They may appear outwardly calm, but

suffer

from extreme internal anxiety. Most OCD patients with both obsessive

thoughts and compulsive actions are in this category. Associated with

under-methylation, which results in low levels of important

neurotransmitters such as serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

Treatment

focuses on the use of antifolates such as calcium, methionine, SAMe,

magnesium, zinc, TMG, omega-3 essential oils, B6, inositol, and A, C

and E.

The dose of inositol is 500 to 1000mg. Choline is anti-dopaminergic and

often makes undermethylated patients worse. Also bad are DMAE, copper and

folic acid. Three to six months of nutrient therapy are necessary to

correct

this chemical imbalance. Symptoms will return if treatment is stopped. Two

good labs for whole blood histamine are LabCorp and Quest. Also use a

special absolute basophil count as a methlyation marker. The count must be

direct and not differential. Alcian blue dye is the preferred staining

agent. Best lab for this test is Direct Healthcare Access in Glenview

IL 847

299 2440

 

2) Low Histamine (over-methylated)

 

Low-histamine depressives are usually nervous, anxious individuals who are

prone to paranoia and despair. No seasonal allergies, but many food

allergies and chemical sensitivity. Low libido. Obsessions but not

compulsions. Heavy body hair. Nervous legs. Grandiosity. Many have a

history

of hyperactivity, learning disabilities and underachievement. They are

over-methylated which results in elevated dopamine and norepinephrine

levels. Treatment focuses on B3, C, B12 and , with about 2-4 months

required

for correction of the imbalance.. Also DMAE, choline, manganese, zinc,

omega-3 essential oils, C and E. They should avoid methionine, SAMe,

inositol, TMG and DMG.

 

3) Pyroluria

 

A stress disorder characterized by pronounced mood swings, temper

outbursts,

anxious depression. Inability to eat breakfast, absence of dream

recall and

frequent infections. The biochemical signature of this disorder includes

elevated urine kryptopyrroles, a double deficiency of zinc and B-6,

and low

levels of arachidonic acid. Devastated by stresses including physical

injury, emotional trauma, illness, sleep deprivation. Sensitivity to light

and loud noises, dry skin, abnormal fat distribution, rage episodes,

histrionic behavior. They also have low levels of arachidonic acid.

Treatment centers on correcting a double deficiency of B-6, zinc essential

fatty acids and augmenting nutrients. It is believed to result from

abnormal

hemoglobin synthesis which depletes the body of these nutrients. A

positive

response often occurs within the first seven days of treatment, with 1-2

months usually required for correction of the imbalance.

 

4) High Copper (Hypercupremia)

 

If your level is above 140 mcg/dL, you would profit from getting rid

of the

excess copper. The most common depression phenotype for women. History of

hyperactivity, tinnitus, and skin sensitivity to metals. Females with this

condition usually have significant PMS and are prone to heightened

depression during hormonal events such as puberty, gestation,

childbirth and

menopause. A woman's copper level more than doubles during the 9 months of

pregnancy, apparently to enhance angiogenesis in the fetus. Women with an

innate tendency for copper overload are prone to post-partum depression or

post-partum psychosis. Estrogen increaases creuloplamin and copper levels

and results in zinc depletion. Very elevated norepinephrine levels,

elevated

copper and low ceruloplasmin. Elevated norepinephrine/dopamine ratio. Most

get worse after chocolate which is very high in copper. This condition is

non-existant in males. Serum copper levels above 140 mcg/dl High NE

and ADR

levels can result from overmethlyation, probably genetic, elevated serum

copper, and low folate/B12 levels. Hypertension is associated with high NE

and ADR levels. Using folate/B12 will reduce hypertension and anxiety and

depression. They often report a worsening of depression after estrogen or

multiple vitamins. Most hypercupremics get worse if they overdose on

chocolate. Treatment focuses on release of excess copper from tissues,

promotion of copper excretion, and stimulation of metallothionein (a

metal-binding protein). Many patients report a worsening for three weeks

followed by steady improvement. Nutrient support is zinc, manganese,

vitamin

C and B6. Nutrients should be introduced gradually to avoid side effects.

Use 25mg of zinc initially, then 50 then 75 as tolerated. A total of 60 to

90 days is usually required to correct this imbalance.

 

 

The list of things to avoid include the following:

 

1. Multiple vitamins/minerals containing Cu

 

2. Enriched foods with Cu added (learn to read the labels)

 

3. I recommend that she drink bottled water.

 

4. She needs to avoid swimming pools/jacuzzis treated with algicides

containing copper sulfate.

 

5. The primary foods to avoid are chocolate, carob and shellfish.

 

 

5) Toxic Overload

 

This syndrome often involves a sudden, prolonged bout of depression

without

apparent reason and without a prior history of depression. Toxic

substances

which are capable of producing depression include lead, cadmium, mercury,

and a wide variety of organic and inorganic chemicals. Treatment

varies with

the type of toxic material involved, and care must be exercised to avoid

flooding the kidneys with toxins during the early stages of treatment.

Heavy-metal overloads can be corrected quickly by in-hospital

chelation, or

more slowly using biochemical treatment. Organic chemical overloads

require

liberal use of antioxidants along with avoidance of the offending

substances.

 

 

BTW, chocolate has 4 separate ingredients that can worsen

malaise/depression

in some people: (1) sugar, (2) caffeine, (3) copper, and (4) milk. The

most

significant of these for females is usually copper. Unfortunately

carob has

even more copper than chocolate.

 

Many depression patients experience striking cycles in which their

depression may wax for months or wane for months. It's really hard to

evaluate treatment efficacy for such persons since the patient may

deteriorate during effective treatment or improve while experiencing

placebo

or a harmful therapy. (30 Dec, 2002)

Histamine assays for depression were introduced by Dr. Carl Pfeiffer of

Princeton, NJ in the 1970' and 1980's. My clinic has found whole blood

histamine to be very useful & has used this assay more than 30,000 times.

 

First of all, the analysis must be done for whole blood (not plasma,

serum,

etc), strictly adhering to the sampling protocol. We presently use LabCorp

but in the past Quest also had proficiency for this assay.

 

The reference " normal " range for mental health is 40 to 70 ng/dL. Levels

above 70 indicate undermethylation, whereas levels below 40 suggest

overmethylation.

 

Undermethylated depressives thrive on l-methionine, calcium,

magnesium, B-6,

Zinc, and Vitamin C. In severe cases, up to 3,000 mg/day of methionine and

2,000 mg/day of Ca may be needed. However, we also like to routinely run a

homocysteine test to assure the safety of the methylation protocol. This

population is believed to result in low serotonin activity. This

methylation

therapy is quite slow in taking effect.... and often 6-8 weeks pass before

progress is obvious

 

Overmethylated (low-histamine) depressives thrive on folic acid, B-12,

niacin (or niacinamide), B-6, Zinc, Manganese, DMAE, and Vitamins, C

and E.

In severe cases, up to 5,000 mcg/day of FA may be needed. Response is more

rapid with this phenotype, with clear progress usually by week 4. This

population is believed to have an innate tendency for elevated serotonin,

dopamine, and norepinephrine levels.

 

This test can also help guide psychiatrists in selection of psychiatric

medications. For example high histamine persons may do quite well on

SSRI's,

but low-histamine persons usually reactly very badly to SSRI's and are

better candidates for benzodiazapines.

 

We like to augment the histamine blood test with an " absolute

basophil " test

offered by Direct Healthcare, Inc. The histamine assay can be affected by

antihistamines and other medications with AH properties. The reference

range

for ABC's is 30-50.

 

We have an enormous chemistry database for depression..... more than 90

chemical assays for each of 3,200 persons with clinical depression. We

find

that 90% of depressives may be divided into five biochemical

classifications, each requiring a different treatment approach. Two of

these

depression phenotypes are undermethylation and overmethylation. (June 2,

2003)

 

 

Estimated incidence of hypercupremia in our depressive population:

 

Females: 45%

Males: 3%

Overall: 30% (We have more females than males in our depression database)

 

As you can see from the numbers, hypercupremic depression is generally a

female event. We are about to publish a database study which shows that

hypercupremic feamles are especially prone to post-partum depression and

post-partum psychosis. Many of these high-Cu females get worse on

anti-depressants, but respond beautifully to nutrient therapy which

normalizes Cu and Zn levels. (June 11, 2003)

Down's

 

We are not a Down's clinic, but I have researched Down's biochemistry in

past years. One common factor is elevated levels of serum copper and

insufficient levels of serum ceruloplasmin. We did an exploratory outcome

study following treatment of 24 Down's patients about 10 years ago and the

results were the following:

 

1. Better general health

2. Much better behavior control and moods

3. No detectable improvement in cognitive function.

 

If this person were in my family, I would have the following tests run:

serum copper, serum ceruloplasmin, and plasma zinc. If the expected

metal-metabolism imbalance were evident, a simple and inexpensive

formulation of vitamins and minerals could normalize the metals. I would

expect that the violence would disappear and that he would have a better

life. (Aug 21, 2003)

Essential Fatty Acids

Borage Oil is a good source of omega-6 oils. I think the widespread use of

Primrose Oil results from widely publicized treatment successes with

schizophrenia in England & the USA in the 1970's and 80's. I would choose

the one with the highest arachidonic acid level. (Sep 28, 2003)

 

I once collaborated with Dr. Doug Bibus, a Minnesota fatty-acid

expert, on a

study of 87 schizophrenics. Bibus' lab provided reliable chemical analysis

for about 60 fatty acids.

 

We reported the results at a national meeting of the Americal Oil

Association (not petroleum) & plan to publish the results in a journal. We

found that 75% of schizophrenics were somewhat elevated in omega-6

oils, and

significantly depleted of omega-3 oils. However, the pyroluric

schizophrenics comprised the other 25% and exhibited severe deficiency of

arachidonic acid and other omega-6 oils.

 

We've had considerable success in using PUFA's (poly-unsaturated fatty

acids) to treat persons with mental illness, but have found that

omega-3 and

omega-6 oils can cause clear worsening if given inappropriately.

Pyrolurics

need omega-6..... whereas most other patients need omega-3. There is a

competition between o3 and o6 for zinc, B-6, and the delta 5,6

desaturases.

The ideal would be to identify a person's biochemical individuality, with

respect to PUFA's, then treat accordingly.

 

We've met several pyrolurics patients who reported a setback after omega-3

supplements. Most of them turned out to be pyroluric.

 

Kennedy-Kreiger Institute in Bethesda has a lab that performs a reliable

PUFA assay. Direct Healthcare Access in the Chicago area has an excellent

kryptopyrrole assay for determining presence or absence of pyroluria. (Oct

14, 2003)

 

If you look at the reaction cascades for omega-3 and omega-6 beginning

with

ALA and LA.... both cascades require B-6 and Zn, which may be in limited

supply. If a person is overloaded in one of the omega's and depleted

in the

other.... supplementation with the omega already in excess will result in

less B-6 and Zn availability and a worsening of the levels of the depleted

omega.

 

About 60% of schizophrenics exhibit low omega-3 levels. About 20% of SZ

patients (those with severe pyroluria) exhibit extremely low AA and DGLA

levels and thrive on Primrose Oil or other forms of omega-6. The remaining

20% do not exhibit PUFA anomalies.

 

The low omega-6 patients are very different from other schizophrenics and

the general population. Classic symptoms include: Extremely dry skin

(remember that the oils are the waterproofing of the skin), raised nodules

on the back of the upper arm, abnormal fat distribution, plus the symptoms

of pyroluria itself.... These include severe mood swings, stress

dyscontrol,

sensitivity to light and loud noises, poor immune function, little or no

dream recall, reading disorder in childhood, craving for spicy/salty

foods,

poor appetite in the AM, etc.

 

My preference is the RBC membrane assay for the PUFA's. (Oct 20, 2003)