Nutritional Psychiatry Integrated Framework: Exploration of Nutrition and Co-occurring Bipolar Disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

Abstract

Nutritional psychiatry advancements are needed in understanding the effects of food nutrients on co-occurring psychiatric conditions particularly bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Food nutrients contribute to the increase and decrease of symptoms in psychiatric conditions. Bipolar disorder and PTSD are frequently co-occurring and significantly impact moods, how the brain processes information, and psychological stressors. Individuals diagnosed with bipolar disorder and PTSD experience increased risks of suicide and are more likely to have unhealthy dietary habits. Understanding the appropriate nutrients to consume and avoid may contribute to promising outcomes for psychiatric conditions. Advancements in awareness of food nutrition are necessary to manage not only psychiatric conditions but also medical conditions. Omega-3 fatty acids, minerals (magnesium and zinc), pro-biotics, B vitamins, vitamins C and D, large neutral amino acids, specifically tryptophan and tyrosine, and branched-chained amino acids, antioxidants found in fruits and vegetables, and fatty acids have been linked to improved outcomes in the management of bipolar disorder and PTSD symptoms. Foods associated with poor prognosis have been linked to caffeine, alcohol, sugar, salt, processed foods, and artificial additives. This research contributes to the body of literature by exploring a link between food nutrients and bipolar disorder and PTSD because no known study has explored a co-occurring treatment intervention for such psychiatric conditions, and introduces the Nutritional Psychiatry Integrated Framework (NPIF)with a patient-centered focus which makes this research compelling. Advancements in understanding the effects of nutritional psychiatry associated with symptoms of bipolar disorder and PTSD may introduce innovative dietary and psychological treatment approaches.