Taurine as an Anti-Manic Agent: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

Taurine is an amino acid that has some actions similar to mood stabilizers. Taurine is widely
sold as a component of over-the-counter mood enhancing agents. However, controlled studies
examining the mood effects of taurine are limited. An initial study in this laboratory looked
at taurine's mood effects in individuals with bipolar disorder. This follow-up study is
designed to further examine taurine's effects on manic symptoms. Subjects in the current
follow-up study will add taurine or placebo to their current treatment regimen. Both
depressive and manic symptoms will be tracked for three months to determine whether the
addition of taurine affects mood symptoms.

Inclusion Criteria:

bipolar disorder, type I bipolar disorder, type II mania hypomania mixed manic symptoms

Exclusion Criteria:

significant medical or psychiatric co-morbidity pregnancy or planning pregnancy current
substance abuse or dependence