Bipolar disorder poses a significant challenge in treatment due to its recurrent episodes of mania and depression. Recent strides in psychiatric research have delved into adjunctive therapies aimed at bolstering the effectiveness of standard treatments for this complex condition. This randomized clinical trial specifically explores the impact of vitamins B1 and B6 on mood symptoms, cognitive status, and sleep quality in hospitalized patients undergoing treatment for bipolar disorder during manic episodes.

In this study, participants (N = 66) receiving standard lithium treatment were randomly assigned to three conditions: 100 mg of vitamin B1, 40 mg of vitamin B6, or a placebo. Conducted between December 2020 and September 2021, the research utilized the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Scale (PSQI), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) to assess outcomes at one and eight weeks of daily treatment.

The study's results shed light on the impact of vitamin B6 and B1 on mood and sleep quality. Vitamin B6 demonstrated a significant improvement in mood compared to the placebo, whereas vitamin B1 did not exhibit a notable effect. Interestingly, both vitamin B6 and B1 positively influenced sleep quality, suggesting an improvement compared to the placebo.

In summary, the findings propose that vitamin B6, when used as an adjunctive therapy to lithium, may be linked to enhanced mood symptoms in patients experiencing manic episodes of bipolar disorder. Moreover, the positive effects of both vitamin B6 and B1 on sleep quality contribute to the evolving landscape of adjunctive therapeutic options for bipolar disorder. These insights hold significance for clinicians, doctors, and psychiatrists involved in the comprehensive management of this intricate condition.

Reference:
Zandifar A et al. J Affect Disord. 2024;345:103-111. Abstract.