Vitamins that benefit people with schizophrenia or bipolar: For some who suffer depression, anxiety disorder, or symptoms of schizophrenia, vitamin deficiencies, such as vitamin B12 deficiency or low vitamin D may be an influencing factor. In several studies, scientists have noted profound results when patients of behavioral health disorders such as bipolar, clinical depression, or schizophrenia were supplemented with vitamin B12 and vitamin D.
Depression
People diagnosed with severe depression experience deep feelings of sadness, isolation, helplessness, and despair, in addition to difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and bodily aches.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency– One of the symptoms of prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency is depression. For that reason, people with low B12 levels are sometimes misdiagnosed with severe depressive disorder, and given antidepressants as the sole treatment, when they would benefit greatly from vitamin B12 supplements, as well. One quick blood test will determine if you have vitamin B12 deficiency. Following routine vitamin B12 supplementation, most patients start to see a decrease in deficiency symptoms, and notice an increase in stamina, mental focus, and overall sense of well-being.
- Zinc Deficiency, as reported in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, occurs often among people with ADHD and depression. Zinc is essential for healthy nerves, mood, and cognitive functioning. According to the US RDA, adults need approximately 8-11 milligrams of zinc each day. Zinc occurs naturally in meat, shellfish, and whole grains.
- Vitamin D deficiency in linked with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a condition that causes feelings of deep depression. This explains why many people become more depressed in the winter, as daylight hours decrease and natural exposure to vitamin D in sunlight plummets. Also, among cultures that necessitate the wearing of full-body coverings, increased risk of vitamin D deficiency and depression have been observed. For treatment of vitamin defiency, ask your physician for a blood test, and request vitamin D supplements.
Anxiety disorder
People diagnosed with severe anxiety disorder experience symptoms such as nervous or obsessive thoughts, heart palpitations, sweating, dizziness, and panic caused by adrenaline release. Antidepressants are helpful in most cases, but doctors have also noticed benefit with vitamin supplementation.
- Vitamin B complex; vitamin B deficiency occurs with excessive use of alcohol, tobacco, sugar, and caffeine, consumption of which increase with high stress levels. It is crucial end (or at least limit) your exposure to harmful chemicals, such as nicotine and alcohol. Also, taking regular vitamin B complex supplements is helpful for maintaining a healthy nervous system and promoting feelings of well-being.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency also creates feelings of anxiety in its sufferers. There is no upper limit for vitamin B12, so if you experience any symptoms of vitamin deficiency, you may begin taking over-the-counter (OTC) vitamin B12 immediately without prescription.
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Sources:
Zinc supplements can help treat depression, ADHD, schizophrenia and other mental health problems
Vitamin D Council- Health conditions- Mental health and learning disorders- Depression
Vitamins: Busy B’s- Psychology Today
Vitamin Deficiencies and Depression- About.com
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