Tourette’s, Tics, and OCD
Why Biomedical Testing for Tourette’s, Tics, and OCD?
It has been observed in clinical studies that individuals with Chronic Tic Disorder (CTD), Tourette’s syndrome and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) are also predisposed to having physical problems that co-exist in addition to the symptoms of the disorder. These include:- Allergy
- Anxiety
- Attention Deficit Disorder
- Autoimmune Disease
- Chronic Pain
- Cognitive Difficulty
- Eating Disorder
- Headaches and Migraines
- Hyperactivity
- Inflammation
- Poor Immunity
- Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)
Clinical studies have shown that these physical conditions associated with CTD, Tourette’s Syndrome, OCD, and Depression are also associated with oxidative stress, mineral deficiency, and microbial imbalance. Very often, these abnormalities are not identified through routine lab work and are dismissed as insignificant when they are discovered. The reality is that the specific concentration of the mineral balance in the body has a profound effect on the response of the immune and nervous systems. Furthermore, individuals prone to inflammation and oxidative stress are more susceptible to opportunistic pathogens. These pathogens can hinder (either directly or indirectly) proper digestion/absorption and create further oxidative stress and mineral deficiency in the body. Unless properly addressed, this vicious cycle will continue to inhibit the various chemical pathways necessary for proper neurological and immune function. The resulting complications will contribute to, and may even cause, the symptoms of CTD, Tourette’s syndrome, OCD and Depression.
Some individuals develop symptoms of CTD, Tourette’s syndrome, and OCD as a result of brain trauma. Such damage will likely contribute to a lifelong condition which may be minimized by proper assessment of the physical response to the trauma. As observed in clinical studies, there can be other factors such as inflammation which also occur simultaneously in the body. These factors may go unnoticed for a period of time and lead to the progression of the symptoms CTD, Tourette’s and OCD. At times, the only visible symptoms are those of CTD, Tourette’s syndrome, and/or OCD. Non-routine testing may still be very useful in these cases where no other physical symptoms are apparent and the cause is known.
Great Plains Laboratory is the industry leader in biomedical testing and is committed to bringing about corrective balance through the proper diagnosis. The tests that we recommend are designed to identify complex chemical abnormalities that can often be treated through diet, supplementation, elimination, detoxification and other appropriate remedies. When balance is restored, the symptoms of CTD, Tourette’s syndrome, OCD, Depression, Migraine, Chronic Pain, RLS, Inflammation, and other symptoms are significantly reduced and sometimes eliminated altogether.
Core Panel
IgG Food Allergy Test w/ Candida: The improper digestion of foods can cause inflammation and immunity problems which contribute to the formation of allergies. The IgG Food Allergy Test w/ Candida will identify the specific antibody that is not commonly tested by physicians. This antibody stays in the body much longer than the traditional IgE antibody commonly tested. The elimination of the offending food will help strengthen the immune system and can reduce symptoms of cognitive difficulty, fatigue, chronic pain, headaches, and more.Metals Hair Test: Heavy metal representation can be difficult to determine because heavy metals will bind to soft tissue and are not water soluble. Hair is a soft tissue and therefore can give an accurate reflection of heavy metals in the body. Heavy metals can have profound effects on neurotransmission and immunity. When toxic metals are reduced, immune function and neurotransmission are greatly improved. This test will also evaluate the balance of essential metals such as selenium, phosphorous, lithium, and more which are needed for proper immune and brain function.
Organic Acids Test: We have patented the specific byproducts of certain opportunistic pathogens that are only available through this test. We can identify an overgrowth of yeast and bacteria more reliably than a common culture. The test will also identify deficiency of essential nutrients such as vitamins and antioxidants as well as oxidative stress and detoxification ability. All together we test for 65 metabolites that relate to yeast, bacteria, water soluble vitamins, oxalates, neurotransmitters, mitochondrial function and other metabolic pathways which can have adverse effects on immune and neurological function.
Streptococcus Antibodies Profile: It has been observed that individuals who exhibit symptoms of CDT and Tourette’s syndrome may also have elevated streptococcus antibodies. These antibodies occur naturally as we encounter these bacteria. When they persist in high levels for long periods of time, they have the potential to interfere with structurally similar proteins in the human brain and cause symptoms of yelling, motor tics, aggression, unwanted thoughts, hallucinations, and repetitive behavior.
Advanced Cholesterol Profile: A direct correlation exists between the concentration of cholesterol in the brain, particularly the myelin, and how well the brain functions. Low values of cholesterol have been identified in almost 60% of children on the autistic spectrum. The panel developed by Dr. William Shaw will help determine whether cholesterol deficiency or abnormalities in cholesterol transport is a problem. Without proper cholesterol, gene expression, neurotransmission and hormone synthesis are all impaired.
IgE Inhalant Allergy Basic Test: Research indicates that individuals with Tourette's Syndrome have a higher level of classic allergy than the general population. Environmental factors can contribute to dizziness, headache, tremor, fatigue, tics, hyperactivity, muscle spasms, and more. Thorough examination of the environmental factors that cause a reaction will help speed up the process of elimination from the home and the body.
Enhanced Panel
Comprehensive Stool Analysis: Many predisposed individuals often have a compromised immune system. They are more susceptible to opportunistic pathogens in the gut which creates imbalance and inflammation. The comprehensive stool test cultures beneficial bacteria, imbalanced bacteria, dysbiotic bacteria, and yeast to determine the exact species so that correct treatment can be administered. The test will also measure digestive enzymes, inflammation, microbial resistance, short chain fatty acids, Secretory IgA and more.Gluten/Casein Peptides Test: We have isolated several proteins found in wheat and dairy which mimic opiate receptors in the brain called neuro-peptides. These peptides are often poorly digested by individuals with TS and CTD. These peptides have the potential to interfere with neurotransmission and cause cognitive difficulty.
Copper/Zinc Profile: Zinc affects many different aspects of the immune system and of gene expression. Deficiencies cause a decrease in immune response which contributes to many of the issues of toxicity, illness, and disease. Zinc is inversely related to the copper in the body and so both of these metals are measured in tandem with each other. Zinc deficiency may lead to excess copper. Access copper will lead to oxidative stress on the body.
Immune Deficiency Profile: The B-lymphocyte cells of the immune system produce antibodies called immunoglobulins. These antibodies are designed to react against specific antigens (foreign molecules) introduced into the system by microorganisms of various types. Antibodies react against microorganisms (viruses, yeast, parasites, and bacteria) and allow them to be killed by the white blood cells. Composed mostly of amino acids, antibodies are proteins and are divided into five major antibody classes (IgA, IgG, IgM, IgD, and IgE). This test measures the availability of all these immunoglobulins as well as zinc. Measuring serum zinc level is important in assessing immune function because it is crucial for the normal function of other immune system cell types that mediate nonspecific immunity.
Amino Acids Urine Test: Amino Acids are the building blocks of proteins. The method by which we break down and absorb proteins can give an indication of foliate, magnesium, and zinc utilization. It will also provide insight about the digestion and absorption of all the amino acids. Certain Amino Acids are also themselves neurotransmitters.
References
- Allen RP, Barker PB, Dphil, Wehrl F, song HK, Earley CJ." MRI measurement of brain iron in patients with restless leg syndrome" American Academy of Neurology (2001) 56, 263-265
- Biederman J, Newcorn J, Sprich S. "Comorbidity of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder with conduct, depressive anxiety, and other disorders" American Journal of Psychiatry (1991) 148, 564-577
- Ciancarelli L, DiMassimo C, Tozzi-Ciancarelli MG, DeMatteis G, Marini C, Carolei A. "Helicobacter pylori infection and migrane" Cephalagia (2002) 22, 222-225
- Gillberg C, Billsted E. "Autism and aspergers syndrome: coexistance with other clinical disorders" Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica (2000) 102, 321-330
- Grimaldi B." The central role of magnesium deficiency in Tourette's syndrome: casual relationships between magnesium deficiency, altered biochemical pathways and symptoms relating to Tourette's syndrome and several comorbid conditions" Medical Hypotheses (2003) 58, 47-60
- Hershey A, Powers S, Vockell A, LeCates S, Ellinor P, Segers A, Burdine D, Manning P, Kabbouche M."Coenzyme Q10 deficiency and response to supplementation in pediatric and adolecent Migraine" The Journal of Head and Face Pain (2007) 47, 73-80
- Kwak C, Dat Vuong K, Jankovic J. "Migraine headache in patient with Tourettes syndrome" Archives of Neurology (2003) 60, 1595-1595
- Leckman l, Katsovich I, Kawikova H, Lin H, Zhang H, Krong S, Morshed S, Parveen H Grantz P. "Increased serum levels of interlukin-12 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha in Tourette's syndrome" Biological Psychiatry (2003) 57, 667-673
- Marazziti D. "Immunological alterations in adult obsessive-compulsive disorder" Biological Psychiatry (2003) 46, 810-814
- Margolese H, Annable L, Dion Y. "Depression and dysphoria in adult adolesent patients with Tourettes disorder treated with risperidone" The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry (2002) 63, 1040-1044
- Meana M. "The meeting of pain and depression: comorbidity in women" Canadian Journal of Psychiatry (1998) 43, 893-899
- Milos G, Spindler A, Ruggiero G, Klaghofer R, Schnyder U. "Comorbidity of obsessive compulsive disorder and duration of eating disorders" International Journal of Eating Disorders (2002) 31, 284-289
- Morshed S. "Antibodies against neural, nuclear, cytockeletal, and streptococcal epitopes in children and adults with Tourette's syndrome, sydenham's chorea and autoimmune Disorders" Biological Psychiatry (2001) 50, 566-577
- Muller-Vahl K, Buddensiek N, Geomelas M, Emrich H." The influence of food and drink on tics in Tourette's syndrome" Acta Paediatrica (2008) 97, 442-446
- Musselman D, Miller A, Porter M, Mantunga A, Gao Feng, Penna S, Pearce B, Landry J, Glover S, McDaniel S, Nemeroff C. "Higher than normal plasma Interlukin-6 concentrations in cancer patients with depression: preliminary findings" American Journal of Psychiatry (2001) 158, 1252-1257
- Picchietti D, Underwood D, Farris W, Walters A, Shah M, Dahl R, Trubnick L, Bertocci M, Wagner M, Hening W."Further studies on periodic limb movement disorder and restless legs syndrome in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder" Movement Disorders (2001) 14, 1000-1007
- Radat F, Swendsen J. "Psychiatric comorbidity in migrane: a review" Cephalalgia (2005) 25, 165-178
- Raison C, Capuron L, Miller A."Cytokines Sing the Blues: inflammation and the pathogenesis of depression" Trends in Immunology (2005) 27, 24-31
- Sheppard D, Bradshaw J, Rosemary P, Christos P." Tourette's and comorbid syndromes Obsessive compulsive and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. a common etiology" Clinical Psychology Review (1999) 19, 531-552
- Woolston J, Rosenthal S, Riddle M, Sparrow S, Cicchetti D, Zimmerman L. "Childhood comorbidity of anxiety/affective disorders and behavior disorders" Journal of the American Academy of child and Adolescent Psychiatry (1989) 28, 707-713
No comments:
Post a Comment