The treatment involves both a compound called N-acetyl cysteine, known as NAC, which is thought to reduce the effect of underlying physical brain changes, and a combination of potentially energy boosting nutraceutical agents including NAC.
Bipolar disorder affects functioning of the brain, causing people to experience extreme high or low moods. People with bipolar disorder spend three times longer in the depressive phase than in the manic phase.
The Geelong scientists hope the prognosis for sufferers could soon change.
“We know that during bipolar depression, changes happen which affect the body’s ability to detoxify certain compounds. We also know that mitochondria, the cells energy producers, don’t work in the usual way. The drug NAC that we’re trialing and the combination work on both of these problems at once, could lead to quicker recovery”, said Professor Michael Berk, researcher with Barwon Health and the CRC for Mental Health.
The researchers are now seeking volunteers for the trial who are over 18 years of age and have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. Geelong resident Nicci Wall has been involved in several of the group’s research projects and is hopeful that researchers will find more effective treatments and ways to identify the disorder at earlier stages.
“Bipolar disorder is a very complex illness and diagnosis and treatment can be difficult. 
For myself, I had my first episode at 14 but it took until I was 35 to receive a full diagnosis and treatments that worked for me,” said Mrs Wall.
“I’ve made the decision to be involved in research projects because as we learn more about the disorder, better treatment and diagnosis options can be developed. People with bipolar disorder tend to wait until they have an acute episode before they see a doctor, but if treatment starts early, better outcomes can be reached.”
“I’ve found the research trials to be a very calming, unpressured environment. Barwon Health staff really took the time to check how I felt throughout the research and I got the feeling that my well-being was as important as the results.”
The research team for this project has a long association with the Geelong region and a distinguished track record in psychiatry research. In addition to his roles with Barwon Health and the CRC for Mental Health, Professor Berk holds the Alfred Deakin Professor of Psychiatry at Deakin University and holds conjoint Professorial Research Fellowships at the Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, and theUniversity of Melbourne.
Professor Berk’s team is now taking a wait list for the trials, which will begin in April 2013. To volunteer, or for more information, contact 03 4215 3309 or email mitobd@barwonhealth.org.au