Dr. William Walsh's Comprehensive Theory (Explaining the Cause of Bipolar, the Reason For Switching From Mania to Depression & Treatment Implications) Shared at the Society of Neuroscience
She has chosen, rather than hypomania and depression, to identify as “cognitive vivacity” and “cognitive impairment”. This condition does indeed make for quite a ride!
What we know about photobiomodulation (PBM), especially 1070nm transcranial delivery, is that it can significantly increase ATP production and rapidly decrease ROS and NO levels. I would strongly suggest considering the inclusion of 1070nm continuous and pulsed photobiomodulation as a component of a treatment model seeking to address the root neurophysiological and bioenergetic causes of neuropsychiatric, neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. Our research has confirmed the efficacy of a brief, self-administered transcranial 1070nm transcranial PBM stimulation protocol
Near-infrared photobiomodulation (NIR-PBM) impacts reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the brain through mechanisms that involve mitochondrial function, redox signaling, and cellular metabolism. Here's a summary of its effects:
Reduction of Excess ROS:
NIR-PBM can reduce excessive ROS production by enhancing mitochondrial efficiency. Near-infrared light targets cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, improving ATP production and reducing electron leakage that generates ROS.
By mitigating excessive ROS, NIR-PBM can decrease oxidative stress, which is implicated in neurodegeneration, inflammation, and apoptosis.
Modulation of Physiological ROS Levels:
Low levels of ROS serve as signaling molecules essential for cellular homeostasis and defense. NIR-PBM supports this physiological role by optimizing mitochondrial respiration and maintaining ROS at levels conducive to cellular signaling without tipping into oxidative damage.
NIR-PBM can displace NO bound to cytochrome c oxidase, allowing mitochondrial respiration to resume efficiently. This displacement alleviates NO-induced mitochondrial inhibition and supports energy production.
NO Production in Vasodilation and Neuroprotection:
NIR-PBM stimulates the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), increasing NO production. Enhanced NO levels improve cerebral blood flow through vasodilation, which is beneficial for oxygen and nutrient delivery to neural tissues.
NO generated through NIR-PBM can also play neuroprotective roles, such as modulating neurotransmitter release, reducing excitotoxicity, and enhancing synaptic plasticity.
Balancing NO Levels:
While NO is beneficial at physiological levels, excessive NO can contribute to nitrosative stress. NIR-PBM helps maintain NO within an optimal range, avoiding deleterious effects.
Therapeutic Implications:
Neuroprotection:
By reducing ROS overproduction and optimizing NO levels, NIR-PBM protects neurons from oxidative and nitrosative stress, both of which contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis.
Anti-inflammatory Effects:
ROS and NO are central mediators of neuroinflammation. NIR-PBM modulates their levels, reducing the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways and promoting a more anti-inflammatory environment in the brain.
Enhanced Cognitive Function:
Improved mitochondrial function, reduced oxidative stress, and increased cerebral blood flow due to balanced ROS and NO levels contribute to better cognitive and emotional performance.
These mechanisms make NIR-PBM a promising therapeutic tool for addressing oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction in various neurological conditions.
I am quite glad to offer this perspective and have someone with MD after their name actually appreciate it. Let me know if you have any further questions or wish to see associated publications.
How far back can you detect vulnerability at this time? At what age can you say a child might be at risk? And is it currently through behavioral or DNA analysis? Thanks 🙏
To my knowledge, genome-wide studies are not available outside of research. Once they are, however, the age won´t matter, as our genome doesn't change with age. The onset of bipolar disorder can be at any age, but the more typical onset is in the teens or early twenties. Other brain conditions, however, can also be due to high oxidative stress and may come before bipolar disorder. Thank you for this question.
I’m the 1900-1960 few bipolar or clinical brain problems just women with pms, then came shi_ _y foods and destroyed probably very intelligent hyper people. Just saying. A friends sister was a high paid legal assistant or a paralegal and was amazing. She got raped and basically it ruined her life. Instead of helping her they put her on lithium, Librium, and 4 other psychotics that have rendered her a pasing zombie. Very sad. Her sister had her live with her for one year, no drugs she is a phd, supplemented her fed her her favorite excellent foods completely recovered then other family took her back out her back on the cra _drugs she is now in a psychiatric facility It’s very sad.
So glad there are systems like this helping those that need it help 😊🙏🏻
My son had a psychotic break at age 22, labeled bipolar 1 with his first hospitalization. He was using a lot of THC(also took the drug Molly a few times),high consumption of caffeine, nicotine use, working graveyard shift at a restaurant in Vegas, some alcohol use. It’s been 11 years now of roller coaster going in and out of hospitals. Living his life with addictions. Has been put on meds many times, but then has dropped them cold turkey.
We don’t even know if he truly is bipolar. I wish functional/holistic doctors would talk more about drug, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine use in so many these days given bipolar labels. We don’t see our son’s condition being genetic as we don’t have bipolar in our families previous generations. Alcohol abuse & nicotine use, yes, though not my husband or myself.
I am so confused at what is the true cause of his condition and the right treatment. So much talk of the keto diet and other natural methods for eliminating meds and taking control of the condition/symptoms.
We are in Southern CA and I have no idea who is the right doctor is to treat.
Hi Gabriella. I’m sorry your son and family have struggled to find answers for him. I think many share your frustration. I’m not yet licensed in California. I find the Walsh approaches to be very foundational for those with brain related conditions and/or a vulnerability to substance use. The ketogenic diet can also be helpful and one doesn’t need to chose between the approaches. If you are interested, here is a resource map of doctors trained by the Walsh Research Institute. https://www.walshinstitute.org/clinical-resources.html
So interesting. We often talk about healthy nutrition improving depression and anxiety but this is my first read on bipolar disorder also suggesting it.
Yes! Though this is more about a need for supplementing specific nutrients to address the high oxidative syress there is a lot out there on the ketogenic diet in bipolar and schizophrenia that you may also find interesting.
Late onset with diagnosis - highly functioning senior, PhD, CPA - amazing ride for both of us. Medicated, chasing symptoms.
Thank you for sharing this. Hoping you´re seeing benefit from the treatment.
She has chosen, rather than hypomania and depression, to identify as “cognitive vivacity” and “cognitive impairment”. This condition does indeed make for quite a ride!
What we know about photobiomodulation (PBM), especially 1070nm transcranial delivery, is that it can significantly increase ATP production and rapidly decrease ROS and NO levels. I would strongly suggest considering the inclusion of 1070nm continuous and pulsed photobiomodulation as a component of a treatment model seeking to address the root neurophysiological and bioenergetic causes of neuropsychiatric, neurodegenerative and neurodevelopmental disorders. Our research has confirmed the efficacy of a brief, self-administered transcranial 1070nm transcranial PBM stimulation protocol
Near-infrared photobiomodulation (NIR-PBM) impacts reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO) levels in the brain through mechanisms that involve mitochondrial function, redox signaling, and cellular metabolism. Here's a summary of its effects:
Reduction of Excess ROS:
NIR-PBM can reduce excessive ROS production by enhancing mitochondrial efficiency. Near-infrared light targets cytochrome c oxidase (CCO) in the mitochondrial electron transport chain, improving ATP production and reducing electron leakage that generates ROS.
By mitigating excessive ROS, NIR-PBM can decrease oxidative stress, which is implicated in neurodegeneration, inflammation, and apoptosis.
Modulation of Physiological ROS Levels:
Low levels of ROS serve as signaling molecules essential for cellular homeostasis and defense. NIR-PBM supports this physiological role by optimizing mitochondrial respiration and maintaining ROS at levels conducive to cellular signaling without tipping into oxidative damage.
Nitric Oxide (NO):
Marvin Berman PhD
Quietmindfdn.org
Release of Bound Nitric Oxide:
NIR-PBM can displace NO bound to cytochrome c oxidase, allowing mitochondrial respiration to resume efficiently. This displacement alleviates NO-induced mitochondrial inhibition and supports energy production.
NO Production in Vasodilation and Neuroprotection:
NIR-PBM stimulates the activity of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), increasing NO production. Enhanced NO levels improve cerebral blood flow through vasodilation, which is beneficial for oxygen and nutrient delivery to neural tissues.
NO generated through NIR-PBM can also play neuroprotective roles, such as modulating neurotransmitter release, reducing excitotoxicity, and enhancing synaptic plasticity.
Balancing NO Levels:
While NO is beneficial at physiological levels, excessive NO can contribute to nitrosative stress. NIR-PBM helps maintain NO within an optimal range, avoiding deleterious effects.
Therapeutic Implications:
Neuroprotection:
By reducing ROS overproduction and optimizing NO levels, NIR-PBM protects neurons from oxidative and nitrosative stress, both of which contribute to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and multiple sclerosis.
Anti-inflammatory Effects:
ROS and NO are central mediators of neuroinflammation. NIR-PBM modulates their levels, reducing the activation of pro-inflammatory pathways and promoting a more anti-inflammatory environment in the brain.
Enhanced Cognitive Function:
Improved mitochondrial function, reduced oxidative stress, and increased cerebral blood flow due to balanced ROS and NO levels contribute to better cognitive and emotional performance.
These mechanisms make NIR-PBM a promising therapeutic tool for addressing oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction in various neurological conditions.
Thank you for this.
I am quite glad to offer this perspective and have someone with MD after their name actually appreciate it. Let me know if you have any further questions or wish to see associated publications.
Best
Marvin Berman
Quietmindfdn.org
Thank you
Happy to inform other clinicians that a noninvasive option is available. We consult with providers and patients on the application of these resources.
How far back can you detect vulnerability at this time? At what age can you say a child might be at risk? And is it currently through behavioral or DNA analysis? Thanks 🙏
To my knowledge, genome-wide studies are not available outside of research. Once they are, however, the age won´t matter, as our genome doesn't change with age. The onset of bipolar disorder can be at any age, but the more typical onset is in the teens or early twenties. Other brain conditions, however, can also be due to high oxidative stress and may come before bipolar disorder. Thank you for this question.
Hi, could you give me an authorization to translate this incredible article to Portuguese?
Yes. Of course nutrition works: sorry.
I’m the 1900-1960 few bipolar or clinical brain problems just women with pms, then came shi_ _y foods and destroyed probably very intelligent hyper people. Just saying. A friends sister was a high paid legal assistant or a paralegal and was amazing. She got raped and basically it ruined her life. Instead of helping her they put her on lithium, Librium, and 4 other psychotics that have rendered her a pasing zombie. Very sad. Her sister had her live with her for one year, no drugs she is a phd, supplemented her fed her her favorite excellent foods completely recovered then other family took her back out her back on the cra _drugs she is now in a psychiatric facility It’s very sad.
So glad there are systems like this helping those that need it help 😊🙏🏻
My son had a psychotic break at age 22, labeled bipolar 1 with his first hospitalization. He was using a lot of THC(also took the drug Molly a few times),high consumption of caffeine, nicotine use, working graveyard shift at a restaurant in Vegas, some alcohol use. It’s been 11 years now of roller coaster going in and out of hospitals. Living his life with addictions. Has been put on meds many times, but then has dropped them cold turkey.
We don’t even know if he truly is bipolar. I wish functional/holistic doctors would talk more about drug, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine use in so many these days given bipolar labels. We don’t see our son’s condition being genetic as we don’t have bipolar in our families previous generations. Alcohol abuse & nicotine use, yes, though not my husband or myself.
I am so confused at what is the true cause of his condition and the right treatment. So much talk of the keto diet and other natural methods for eliminating meds and taking control of the condition/symptoms.
We are in Southern CA and I have no idea who is the right doctor is to treat.
Hi Gabriella. I’m sorry your son and family have struggled to find answers for him. I think many share your frustration. I’m not yet licensed in California. I find the Walsh approaches to be very foundational for those with brain related conditions and/or a vulnerability to substance use. The ketogenic diet can also be helpful and one doesn’t need to chose between the approaches. If you are interested, here is a resource map of doctors trained by the Walsh Research Institute. https://www.walshinstitute.org/clinical-resources.html
So interesting. We often talk about healthy nutrition improving depression and anxiety but this is my first read on bipolar disorder also suggesting it.
Yes! Though this is more about a need for supplementing specific nutrients to address the high oxidative syress there is a lot out there on the ketogenic diet in bipolar and schizophrenia that you may also find interesting.
It never seizes to amaze me that nutrition always wins.