Mental Health and Behavioural Conditions 

Mental Health conditions are typically diagnosed based on symptoms using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).  Bio Balance Health trains medical doctors to identify the biochemical changes associated with these symptoms through comprehensive testing of patients’ biochemistry and biomarkers of oxidative stress. Individualised nutrient therapy, combined with conventional mental health treatments, has demonstrated improved outcomes for patients.

Measuring core pathology using blood and urine testing, is essential for identification and management of underlying biochemical contributing causes, rather than just treating symptoms.  By targeting these imbalances, patients can achieve optimal health, reducing the stigma associated with mental health diagnosis, and instilling hope for recovery.  Different biochemistry require different psychiatric drugs.  It is essential the medical world understands these differences as incorrect use of medication or nutrients may increase the patients symptoms.

Nutrient therapy plays a crucial role in rebalancing biochemistry, potentially reducing the need for medication.  Understanding the unique biochemical profiles of mental health sufferers is essential for practitioners to tailor treatment effectively and avoid exacerbating symptoms.

Anxiety and depression are different biochemical and physiological processes.  Anxiety is related to the fight and flight response, whereas depression is related to long term unquenched reactive oxygen species.  Patients can cycle between the two.  Understanding the different originals of these moods assists in identifying and managing the causes. 

Bipolar Disorder is a debilitating mental illness characterised by drastic mood swings including symptoms of mania and depression.  During manic phases, individuals may feel intensely energized and excitable, while depressive episodes are marked by lethargy and sadness.

Diagnosis typically requires experiencing periods of mania or hypomania, where individuals feel elevated, alongside depressive episodes.  However, not all depressive symptoms in bipolar disorder are as severe as clinical depression.  Some individuals may experience a “normal” mood that feels like depression after the euphoria of a manic episode subsides.

Bipolar is often diagnosed based on a patient’s symptoms, using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).  BBH-trained doctors do not just treat the symptoms, they use pathology testing to identify underlying contributing biochemical factors.  Addressing these biochemical imbalances can help a patient return to optimal health.

Schizophrenia is a persistent and severe brain disorder characterised by distorted perceptions of reality. Symptoms may include hallucinations (hearing voices or seeing things that are not there), paranoia, delusions (fixed, false beliefs) or difficulty expressing emotions.  Dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is thought to play a significant role in the biochemical aspects of schizophrenia.  Despite the potential involvement of biochemical imbalances, stigma and discrimination of individuals with schizophrenia is still common.

Bio Balance Health supported research has shown that integrating symptom lists with biomarker and biochemical testing can enhance the diagnosis of a schizoid state. Research endeavours aim to validate the effectiveness of testing in diagnosing conditions and evaluating treatment efficacy.  Research also indicates variations in the chemistry of individuals with schizophrenia, and the importance for doctors to comprehend these distinctions to avoid exacerbating symptoms through unsuitable medication or nutrient use.

Several schizophrenia patients under the care of BBH-trained doctors, have achieved significant improvements and lead fulfilling lives. They regularly monitor their biochemistry to maintain their stability. These case histories are included in BBH doctor and health practitioner training. Return to top of page

Suicidal tendencies often remain hidden as a mental health issue among sufferers.  Clinical observations studies and literature reviews supports the view that biochemistry imbalances may be observed if adequate testing of these parameters occurred.

Screening individuals with suicidal thoughts for biochemical parameters could provide valuable insights into their biochemical status.  Understanding the biochemistry involved, and implementing targeted therapy, alongside robust support services for both the individual and their family, may potentially decrease this problem. While BBH-trained doctors have reported anecdotal success in helping pre-suicidal patients, formal data is not available.

Research aimed at validating the usefulness of testing to identify biochemical imbalances and assess treatment efficacy is a primary focus of Bio Balance Health.

Natal Depression can cast a shadow over what should be a joyous time of welcoming a new child, profoundly impacting the dynamics within the family. Like other forms of depression, postpartum depression (PPD) often involves imbalances in neurotransmitters, such as serotonin or norepinephrine, exacerbated by nutritional deficiencies, Adequate nutrition is essential neurotransmitter production.

Early research suggests a correlation between zinc and copper levels and PPD. BBH train doctors to measure these elements and restore any imbalance observed.  Understanding the biochemistry involved and implementing interventions, alongside comprehensive family support services, may help alleviate this issue.

BBH supports research on pathology to identify biochemical factors that can be addressed, and enable assessment of treatment efficacy.  Recognising the biochemical variations among individuals with mental health issues is vital, as incorrect use of medication and/or nutrient interventions may worsen symptoms. Return to top of page

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by repetitive, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and the urge to perform certain actions excessively (compulsions).  Despite recognising the irrationality of these thoughts and behaviours, individuals with OCD struggle to control them.

There are four types of OCD: contamination, perfection, doubt/harm and forbidden thoughts.

Testing a patient’s biochemistry and biomarkers of oxidative stress can identify imbalances which nutrients may help address in conjunction with conventional treatment approaches.  BBH trained doctors have observed positive recovery outcomes in their OCD patients.

Research supported by Bio Balance Health has shown that combining symptom assessment with biomarker and biochemistry testing can enhance understanding of the biochemical changes underlying OCD exacerbation.

Autism and autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are characterized by neurological and behavioural abnormalities, typically diagnosed in childhood. These conditions impact cognitive processes, social interactions, and environmental experiences.

Biochemical abnormalities are prevalent in autism, with genetic mutations in mitochondrial processes being common, though often underestimated due to limited testing. Mitochondrial dysfunction and gut microbiome may also contribute to the complexity of autism.

Autism is a complex condition and requires comprehensive medical investigation. BBH-trained doctors are adept at utilising biochemical and biomarker tests not commonly used by other doctors.  Our core set of tests give insight into the fundamental biochemistry and physiology changes which can be repaired to improve symptoms.  It is essential to manage the repair of biochemistry wit caution and work with family and health professionals. Return to top of page

ADHD, a neurodevelopmental condition, can significantly affect family life, with symptoms typically manifesting by age seven. These symptoms include impulsivity, hyperactivity, distractibility, and difficulty following instructions or completing tasks.  While ADHD symptoms often appear in childhood, they may persist into adulthood. Adults with ADHD may struggle with memory, concentration, and organisation, leading to challenges in various aspects of life.

The condition is associated with altered neurotransmitter activity, particularly dopamine and norepinephrine, affecting two distinct attentional networks in the brain — the default network, associated with automatic attention and the task positive network, associated with directed or effortful attention.  Without proper recognition and management, ADHD can lead to behavioural, emotional, academic, vocational and social difficulties, reducing overall quality of life.

ADHD has biochemical changes which precipitate these behaviours.  By measuring the core biochemistry, patients can understand their individual variations and work with their practitioner using tailored individualised nutrient therapy, combined with the patients treatment program to restore biochemical balance for good health.

Increasing evidence links gut microbiota to gastrointestinal and extra-gastrointestinal diseases. Dysbiosis and gut inflammation have been implicated in several mental health illnesses including anxiety and depression, which are prevalent in society today. Researchers suggest modulating bacterial composition of the gut may improve symptoms of mental disorders.

The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in synthesizing neurotransmitters and metabolites that impact brain function. This has prompted new studies into how gut microbiome influences mental health and strategies for improvement.

Bio Balance Health advocates a core set of blood and urine tests which explain a lot of the “Gut/Brain connection”.  For example, testing B6 levels as it is essential for serotonin production, primarily concentrated in the gut wall. Lack of B6 reduces smooth muscle activity.

Bile flow is essential for proper digestion. A sustained fight and flight response, and blocked bile flow, changes the digestion process. Measuring bile flow, both excess of, or lack of, is important to understand this relationship. The AAL Urinary Pyrroles test provides measures for urobilinogen and indicators for other co-morbidities.  Lack of bile flow reduces copper excretion. Accumulation of copper changes glucose glycogen relationship with many flow on affects including diabetes.

AAL Urinary Pyrroles test measures unmanaged oxidative stress, which changes reabsorption of nutrients.

Understanding which foods support gut health and which may pose problems is essential.
Eat Well, Be Well: Manage Inflammation Manage Your Health by Matthew Simpson, provides practical insights into diet and nutrition, offering a comprehensive range of recipes and valuable information on nutrition, digestion, and the role of inflammation in health.

Renbro Publishing have kindly donated part of the sales from this book to support research.  For more information:  https://www.renbro.com.au/

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