Hi Dr. Gormon,

Ive recently been diagnosed by my psychiatrist as BP type 1..I had a manic episode last sept. The Pscyhiatrist spoke to me about lithium as treatment. I was wondering about a few things...First is that i am interested in trying the product "empower plus" from www.truehope.com and was wondering if you have had any experience with people having tried this supplement. Secondly, im wondering if i should take a physical and what i should be tested for. I have read about thyroid issues that could possibly mimic many symptoms of bp if im correct there.

The supplement, i would like to mention to the doctor and psychiatrist and i will monitor my progress if any. Im not counting out lithium i am just wondering if this supplement may help as i do know that my diet is quite poor and am curious to see if this will help..

Your insight on this matter is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Thank you for your question. I have had experience with Empower Plus as a researcher a number of years ago now. It can be very effective in the right patient and it is ineffective in the wrong patient. For the most part side effects were fairly minimal apart from having to take a large quantity of pills.

The Empower plus pills are still not part of anyone's recommendations as a first line or even second line treatment and thus most psychiatrists and doctors may have some trouble with your taking it. They can be concerned about a treatment that may have not gone through the rigorous trials that other medications have. Still, it is your right to try it and if it is effective with few or none side effects, you cannot argue with success. My original interest in this treatment is that our most effective medication is Lithium and it is a natural substance.

As far as testing is concerned, your thyroid is important because of it's role in mimicking depression at least. A serum Creatinine tests for kidney function which is necessary to monitor for taking Lithium. As always, speak to your doctor about your ideas and if the doctor is smart he will listen and want to collaborate with you rather than tell you what to do. I hope this helps and good luck.