The Metabolic Link to Bipolar Depression: New Research Challenges Traditional Views
Recent research from the University of Edinburgh suggests that bipolar depression may be more closely linked to metabolic disturbances than previously thought. This perspective shifts the understanding of the condition from a primary mood disorder to a potential malfunction in the body's energy regulation systems.
Iain Campbell, a researcher at Edinburgh University who personally experiences bipolar depression, has been instrumental in this new approach. He emphasises viewing bipolar depression as a malfunction in energy regulation rather than solely an emotional issue.
The newly established Hub for Metabolic Psychiatry at Edinburgh University aims to explore the connections between bipolar depression, metabolic disorders like diabetes and obesity, and disruptions in circadian rhythms. Professor Danny Smith, leading the hub, notes that systems involving energy, metabolism, and light are interconnected in our bodies, and their disruption may result in bipolar depression.
One area of investigation is the ketogenic diet, which is high in fats and low in carbohydrates. A recent study at Edinburgh University involved 27 individuals with bipolar depression following a keto diet for eight weeks. Approximately a third of the participants experienced significant improvements, including more stable moods, reduced impulsivity, and alleviated depression. The hub plans to further research why some individuals respond well to this diet while others do not.
The hub also intends to utilise radar sleep technology to monitor sleep patterns over extended periods. By analysing changes in sleep, movement, and heart rate, they hope to predict and prevent future depressive or manic episodes.
This innovative approach underscores the importance of considering metabolic and physiological factors in understanding and treating bipolar depression. By focusing on the body's energy regulation and its interaction with environmental factors like light, researchers aim to develop more effective interventions for those affected by this condition.
Source: The Guardian