Dear Doctor Gorman: Our son has been diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder. He has been stabilized with a variety of medications. My question is whether you are familiar with Orthomolecular medicine and its benefits for people living with Bipolar? I would like more information on this subject including names of physicians in Ontario/Canada who practice this adjunct therapy. Can you help me?

Respectfully, Trish.

Thank you for your question about orthomolecular medicine and bipolar disorder. It is unfortunately something that I know very little about. Lithium is the gold standard of medication treatment for bipolar disorder, and it is a natural treatment in every way. Omega 3 fatty acids have also been shown to act as an augmenting medication (one which helps the other medications be more effective).

A couple of years ago I was involved in a study where a combination of minerals and other natural substances were used in combination with other medications, and also alone, for patients with bipolar disorder. A number of patients were helped by this treatment, but not all. Further investigations are planned, but there currently is not enough data to recommend this treatment as a standard or first-line approach.

I am unaware of people that would classify themselves as orthomolecular practitioners in Ontario, but I would recommend one of the experts in bipolar disorder at the many centers in Toronto, Kingston, London and elsewhere for more advice.

Thanks again for your question, and good luck.