topic Re: Mental Health Issues in Wellness

Mental Health Issues

panda1234 — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 00:33:49 GMT

Just wanted to pass some information on regarding mental health. My 19 year old daughter has suffered over the past 14 years with mental illness. Has been on different meds to the point we were told she has exhausted everything. New doctor asked if she ever had genetic testing done.....no. He did it and the results showed she was missing a gene that produces cerebral folic acid. This gene is what makes the meds do their job. This folic acid is different than the one found in your body, this is in your brain. To obtain this supplement you need a script from your doctor. She just start taking it and should have results in a few weeks. Sorry this is so long but I wanted to pass the info on.

Re: Mental Health Issues

Reba055 — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 01:07:37 GMT

Glad you found a doctor who seems to have gotten to the bottom of things. I hope things will improve quickly. It's a lesson to all of us to keep looking for answers on medical issues when things just aren't right. Best of luck.

Re: Mental Health Issues

Anita Bourbon — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 04:32:23 GMT

Hypo and hyperthyroidism are also often misdiagnosed as various "mental illnesses"; it's appalling to think how many people suffer on the merry go round of psychiatric drugs when what they really need is something completely different. Good luck to your daughter and I hope she gets off the psych meds.

Re: Mental Health Issues

violann — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 10:26:45 GMT

Panda, I take the special folic acid treatment almost every winter for SAD, and it works REALLY well for me.

I SO hope it is successful for your granddaughter. Please let us know how it's working out.

By the way, the "name" brand she is taking may be Deplin, and VERY expensive. Some pharmacists WILL find a true generic for it if you are very persistent. Perhpas her precribing MD can help with that too. Mine was very helpful.

Re: Mental Health Issues

panda1234 — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 11:33:17 GMT

@violann wrote:
Panda, I take the special folic acid treatment almost every winter for SAD, and it works REALLY well for me.
I SO hope it is successful for your granddaughter. Please let us know how it's working out.
By the way, the "name" brand she is taking may be Deplin, and VERY expensive. Some pharmacists WILL find a true generic for it if you are very persistent. Perhpas her precribing MD can help with that too. Mine was very helpful.

Thank you for the feedback. She does take the Deplin and it was $126 for 30 day supply but it went thru insurance and was only $15. Just wondering, how long did it take to work for you and do you take meds with it? We are at the point where the meds are not working and this sounds like it is the answer.

Re: Mental Health Issues

Anita Bourbon — Sun, 26 Jul 2015 14:22:59 GMT

OP, I really feel for you because I have seen scenarios like this play out multiple times. If and when your daughter comes off the various psych meds be prepared for the situation to become worse before it becomes better. Her developing brain has now become chemically dependent and titrating down could potentially unleash a whole host of withdrawal symptoms (and they are withdrawals and not the return of underlying mental illness). Find a good doctor to help he come off slowly and definitely investigate the psychiatric survivor community for more resources. It's a difficult process, but so is the prospect of taking an unending parade of psychotropic drugs for the rest of your life. Again, good luck.

Re: Mental Health Issues

glmama — Mon, 27 Jul 2015 21:12:05 GMT

Panda-

This is really very interesting. I hope the added script of the special folic acid helps her body do better with the meds. My best to you and your daughter.

Re: Mental Health Issues

violann — Tue, 28 Jul 2015 19:10:18 GMT

Sorry for reaponding so late-

I take Deplin OR the generic (when I can get that) in courses of weeks/months, without other meds, and the effects are relatively rapid for me, usually no more than a week.

I take it for SAD and dysthimia.

It has none of the problems (for me) of other meds that work for depression/anxiety.

I truly hope that this young lady benefits, as her diagnostic assessments seem to indicate she might.

Re: Mental Health Issues

panda1234 — Wed, 29 Jul 2015 01:25:23 GMT

@violann wrote:
Sorry for reaponding so late-

I take Deplin OR the generic (when I can get that) in courses of weeks/months, without other meds, and the effects are relatively rapid for me, usually no more than a week.

I take it for SAD and dysthimia.

It has none of the problems (for me) of other meds that work for depression/anxiety.

I truly hope that this young lady benefits, as her diagnostic assessments seem to indicate she might.

Thank you for your reply. It has just been one week and we are keeping our fingers crossed. I will keep you posted.

Re: Mental Health Issues

CoG — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 00:27:56 GMT

Anita thank you for your wise, compassionate response to OP.

Re: Mental Health Issues

PhatCat — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 13:36:40 GMT

When reading your first sentence I automatically thought genetic mutation. Sounds like she has methyltetrahydrofolate reductase, better known as MTHFR. One thing to keep in mind that it is folate not folic acid that needs to be taken! VERY important and never eat any fortified cereals, folic acid cannot be broken down into folate in a person with MTHFR and that's where the trouble begins. Diet is very important as well.

If she starts getting anxious, jittery etc., she is overmethylating, a very common side effect if she also has CBS and/or COMT mutations. Non-flush niacin can alliveate this side effect.

(I have been taking PhD classes in epigenetics, four semesters now so I know what I am talking about.)

Re: Mental Health Issues

panda1234 — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 14:26:52 GMT

@PhatCat wrote:
When reading your first sentence I automatically thought genetic mutation. Sounds like she has methyltetrahydrofolate reductase, better known as MTHFR. One thing to keep in mind that it is folate not folic acid that needs to be taken! VERY important and never eat any fortified cereals, folic acid cannot be broken down into folate in a person with MTHFR and that's where the trouble begins. Diet is very important as well.
If she starts getting anxious, jittery etc., she is overmethylating, a very common side effect if she also has CBS and/or COMT mutations. Non-flush niacin can alliveate this side effect.
(I have been taking PhD classes in epigenetics, four semesters now so I know what I am talking about.)

Thank you soooooo much for the valuable information. She does take the folate but I had no idea regarding diet --- Dr. never told us. Thanks again.

Re: Mental Health Issues

PhatCat — Thu, 30 Jul 2015 22:26:29 GMT

Panda, a clean diet is very important. No processed foods! Even deep green veggies are high in folic acid (think Kale, broccoli, asparagus). Eating foods like this thinking you're getting good folate can backfire and cause the CBS gene to express. This gene is responsible for the sulfur pathway and if blocked, eating foods such as this, as well as onions, peppers and garlic (the most popular foods) will cause high ammonia in the body which has its own set of symptoms. For me personally, my urine burns so bad after I eat these foods it's just totally not worth it. Some people will smell like ammonia when they sweat which is also a clue the pathway is blocked.

I too have suffered with mental illness for YEARS! It was not until I was diagnosed two years ago and put on supplements that my depression all but disappeared. It was hit or miss, found I can't tolerate methyl donors, and still plugging along. I still have moments now and again being down in the dumps but I know what triggered it (usually eating c rap foods) and by the end of the next day after eating well I am fine.

It's a long journey, I wish you and your daughter well.

A side note: It may be worthwhile for an Organic Acids Test aka OAT be done. Below is a cut and paste of what it will test for.

Metabolic Analysis Profile (Organic Acids)

The Metabolic Analysis Profile is a nutritional test that assesses urine metabolites in order to evaluate four critical areas of metabolism: gastrointestinal function, cellular and mitochondrial energy production, neurotransmitter processing, and amino acid/organic acid balance as influenced by vitamin/mineral cofactors. Results can be used to address chronic systemic complaints ranging from chronic fatigue and mood disorders to headache, muscular/joint pain, and digestive problems.

The Metabolic Analysis Profile is a nutritional test using an urinary assessment of 46 key organic acids grouped according to their primary roles in the following four central areas of metabolism.
Gastrointestinal Function — This profile measures eight markers that can reveal malabsorption and dysbiosis. These imbalances can be addressed to improve gut health and to help prevent or alleviate: chronic digestive problems, common causes of nutritional deficiency, yeast overgrowth, cognitive impairment, gastrointestinal distress, and degenerative conditions.

Energy Production —This profile assesses metabolites that serve as important intermediates in the citric acid (Krebs) cycle. This cycle supplies the body with its primary energy needs, converting 90% of food energy into cellular energy. This subpanel also includes:

Carbohydrate metabolites that can signal impaired glucose metabolism
Markers that help evaluate the breakdown of fats and production of cholesterol
A marker measuring the production of coenzyme Q10

Imbalances of cellular energy metabolites are linked with chronic fatigue, accelerated cell breakdown, and unhealthy aging.

Neurotransmitter Metabolites - A special grouping of neurotransmitter metabolites serve as important diagnostic indicators of abnormal metabolism that can underline many key aspects of neuropsychiatric function. These markers are urinary metabolites of powerful neurotranmitters that act on the central nervous system, including: Epinephrine, Dopamine, and Serotonin. These substances can profoundly influence patterns of stress response, emotional well-being, cognition, and sleep.

Assessment of Nutrient Sufficiency — This nutritional test provides a functional assessment of nutrient sufficiency and usage that covers a broad range of vitamins, coenzymes, elements, enzyme activators, and other nutrients. An analysis of amino acid metabolites which require vitamin and mineral cofactors for their metabolism can hint at deficiencies of: vitamins B6, B12 and C, magnesium, copper, iron, and various amino acids.

Re: Mental Health Issues

bebe777 — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 05:01:30 GMT

PhatCat, while I don't suffer from the issue you were describing, I was really interested to read your information. Thank you for taking the time to share it with everyone.

-- bebe

Re: Mental Health Issues

violann — Fri, 31 Jul 2015 17:30:58 GMT

PCat It is just GREAT to read about how far you've come!

I feel like the poster child for researching an eating plan that works.

My life has turned totally around since I've stopped eating grain, dairy, salt and refined/high carb foods.

It literally feels so great living this way I'd NEVER stop.

PLEASE keep up the good work, and keep posting!

Re: Mental Health Issues

panda1234 — Sat, 01 Aug 2015 00:15:41 GMT

@PhatCat wrote:
Panda, a clean diet is very important. No processed foods! Even deep green veggies are high in folic acid (think Kale, broccoli, asparagus). Eating foods like this thinking you're getting good folate can backfire and cause the CBS gene to express. This gene is responsible for the sulfur pathway and if blocked, eating foods such as this, as well as onions, peppers and garlic (the most popular foods) will cause high ammonia in the body which has its own set of symptoms. For me personally, my urine burns so bad after I eat these foods it's just totally not worth it. Some people will smell like ammonia when they sweat which is also a clue the pathway is blocked.
I too have suffered with mental illness for YEARS! It was not until I was diagnosed two years ago and put on supplements that my depression all but disappeared. It was hit or miss, found I can't tolerate methyl donors, and still plugging along. I still have moments now and again being down in the dumps but I know what triggered it (usually eating c rap foods) and by the end of the next day after eating well I am fine.
It's a long journey, I wish you and your daughter well.

A side note: It may be worthwhile for an Organic Acids Test aka OAT be done. Below is a cut and paste of what it will test for.
Metabolic Analysis Profile (Organic Acids)
The Metabolic Analysis Profile is a nutritional test that assesses urine metabolites in order to evaluate four critical areas of metabolism: gastrointestinal function, cellular and mitochondrial energy production, neurotransmitter processing, and amino acid/organic acid balance as influenced by vitamin/mineral cofactors. Results can be used to address chronic systemic complaints ranging from chronic fatigue and mood disorders to headache, muscular/joint pain, and digestive problems.
The Metabolic Analysis Profile is a nutritional test using an urinary assessment of 46 key organic acids grouped according to their primary roles in the following four central areas of metabolism.
Gastrointestinal Function — This profile measures eight markers that can reveal malabsorption and dysbiosis. These imbalances can be addressed to improve gut health and to help prevent or alleviate: chronic digestive problems, common causes of nutritional deficiency, yeast overgrowth, cognitive impairment, gastrointestinal distress, and degenerative conditions.
Energy Production —This profile assesses metabolites that serve as important intermediates in the citric acid (Krebs) cycle. This cycle supplies the body with its primary energy needs, converting 90% of food energy into cellular energy. This subpanel also includes:
Carbohydrate metabolites that can signal impaired glucose metabolism
Markers that help evaluate the breakdown of fats and production of cholesterol
A marker measuring the production of coenzyme Q10
Imbalances of cellular energy metabolites are linked with chronic fatigue, accelerated cell breakdown, and unhealthy aging.
Neurotransmitter Metabolites - A special grouping of neurotransmitter metabolites serve as important diagnostic indicators of abnormal metabolism that can underline many key aspects of neuropsychiatric function. These markers are urinary metabolites of powerful neurotranmitters that act on the central nervous system, including: Epinephrine, Dopamine, and Serotonin. These substances can profoundly influence patterns of stress response, emotional well-being, cognition, and sleep.
Assessment of Nutrient Sufficiency — This nutritional test provides a functional assessment of nutrient sufficiency and usage that covers a broad range of vitamins, coenzymes, elements, enzyme activators, and other nutrients. An analysis of amino acid metabolites which require vitamin and mineral cofactors for their metabolism can hint at deficiencies of: vitamins B6, B12 and C, magnesium, copper, iron, and various amino acids.

Wow it is amazing how our bodies can react to food, even food that is good for us. Glad you got to the root of your depression and doing better. I feel depression is a cancer of the soul or an invisible disability -- so sad. Your input is greatly appreciated.

Re: Mental Health Issues

PhatCat — Mon, 03 Aug 2015 18:31:38 GMT

Violann, isn't it amazing what the right foods can do for you!??!!

I remember seeing a newscast about a young girl, idk around 6 or so if not younger, who just could not function anymore. At one point, the poor child was totally lethargic and the parents brought her to many doctors who were at a total loss on what was wrong. Finally, they took her to a functional med doc and was diagnosed as having vitamin deficiencies! Once she was put on supplements and the right foods, she has recovered significantly. As of that newscast, she wasn't 100% but well on her way.

Panda, I wish you and your daughter well. Don't let her give up! Lilac Bush (?) aka Ford1224 can help with this as well, she has a family member struggling with the same issues.

(( )), Kath

Re: Mental Health Issues

panda1234 — Tue, 04 Aug 2015 01:53:58 GMT

@PhatCat wrote:
Violann, isn't it amazing what the right foods can do for you!??!!
I remember seeing a newscast about a young girl, idk around 6 or so if not younger, who just could not function anymore. At one point, the poor child was totally lethargic and the parents brought her to many doctors who were at a total loss on what was wrong. Finally, they took her to a functional med doc and was diagnosed as having vitamin deficiencies! Once she was put on supplements and the right foods, she has recovered significantly. As of that newscast, she wasn't 100% but well on her way.
Panda, I wish you and your daughter well. Don't let her give up! Lilac Bush (?) aka Ford1224 can help with this as well, she has a family member struggling with the same issues.
(( )), Kath

PhatCat, you are a wealth of information as well as being encouraging --- thank you. Would love to talk to Lilac Bush, is she also Lilac Tree?

Re: Mental Health Issues

PhatCat — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 15:31:38 GMT

my bad, yes...Lilac Tree. aka Ford1224

Her daughter has/is going through some of the same things that I have. Although her's is mostly lyme related, it all intertwines.

Re: Mental Health Issues

Chrystaltree2 — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 15:36:09 GMT

Genetic testing is indeed an amazing tool for diagnosing and treating illnesses. Most insurers are now paying for genetic testing if it's being done for treatment reasons. It's like we've entered a whole new world when it comes to medicine. I hope this works out well for your daughter.