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Toxoplasma gondii: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, OCD and unresolved anxiety?

August 14, 2017 By Trudy Scott 11 Comments

Toxoplasma gondii is a microscopic parasite that infects cats and can be found in the soil – research shows it may be a factor in schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and OCD in susceptible individuals. Could toxoplasma gondii could be one of the root causes of unresolved anxiety? I believe so and feel it’s under-rated.

This is the one of the parasitic infections I cover on The Parasite Summit which is online from September 11-18, 2017.

Here are a few snippets from my interview:

A single-celled parasite called Toxoplasma gondii causes a disease known as toxoplasmosis.

Toxoplasma gondii is a microscopic parasite that infects cats and can be found in the soil. The infection can be acquired by ingesting contaminated food or water, by handling contaminated cat litter, or by transmission from mother-to-child.

According to the CDC – as of Mar 1, 2017 – in the United States it is estimated that 11% of the population 6 years and older have been infected with Toxoplasma. In various places throughout the world, it has been shown that up to 95% of some populations have been infected with Toxoplasma.

I love cats and have always been a cat person and pets are wonderful companions helping many of us humans recovering from PTSD and trauma – but we always need to dig deeper:

  • some individuals don’t respond as well to dietary changes, brain chemical balancing and addressing other biochemical/nutritional factors
  • I’m always looking for root possible causes. I’ve identified 70+ causes of anxiety and one of them is parasites
  • any parasite could be a factor – it causes stress and inflammation in the body, and we may see high cortisol leading to increased anxiety, insomnia and inflammation
  • could toxoplasma gondii could be one of the root causes of unresolved anxiety? I believe so and feel it’s under-rated – and believe we’ll be hearing more about it as more research comes out

I discuss this review paper published this year: Is Toxoplasma gondii a Trigger of Bipolar Disorder?

The association between T. gondii and schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder is one of the most studied links between one pathogen and a psychiatric disorder.

However, growing emerging evidence has also documented an association between latent toxoplasmosis and the risk of [bipolar disorder] and suicidal/aggressive behaviors. T. gondii infection, as previously suggested for schizophrenia, may contribute to the onset and the progressive course of the disease interacting with genetic hereditary predisposing factors, as well as affecting neurotransmitter systems and immune responses, which have recently been shown to be closely linked to the pathogenesis of BD and its medical comorbidities.

The link between this parasite and psychiatric disorders could be also explained by its ability to influence neurotransmitter pathways. Indeed, T. gondii has been shown to increase dopamine levels, as well as to modulate serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate signaling.

With the impacts on neurotransmitters it’s clear how this parasite could directly trigger anxiety, panic attacks, fears, worry and even OCD. I cover this and more (malaria and malaria medications too) on the upcoming Parasite summit that starts September 11th.

At the Parasite Summit, experts will help you determine if parasites are silently impacting your health – they’re FAR MORE COMMON than you think! Parasites aren’t just found in third-world countries, millions are already infected in industrialized countries and parasites could be silently hampering your health. Fortunately, with awareness and appropriate care, parasites can be prevented and treated, once detected.

If you’re struggling with any of the following, don’t miss this event:

  • Gastrointestinal: pain/cramps, excess gas, bloating, constipation/diarrhea
  • Infertility and hormone disorders
  • Skin issues: acne, itching, rashes
  • Mental health: depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, OCD, schizophrenia
  • Challenges with autoimmune disease recovery (Toxoplasma gondii may also be a factor in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis)

The Parasite Summit is online from September 11-18, 2017 and you can register here I hope you can join us!

Please share feedback and ask questions in the comments below.

Additional Anxiety Resources
Click on each image to learn more

Filed Under: Anxiety and panic, Events, Parasites Tagged With: anxiety, bipolar disorder, cats, dopamine, GABA, hashimoto's thyroiditis, OCD, parasite, schizophrenia, serotonin, The Parasite Summit, toxoplasma gondii, Trudy Scott

Trudy Scott

About Trudy Scott

Food Mood Expert Trudy Scott is a certified nutritionist on a mission to educate and empower anxious individuals worldwide about natural solutions for anxiety, stress and emotional eating.

Trudy is the author of The Antianxiety Food Solution: How the Foods You Eat Can Help You Calm Your Anxious Mind, Improve Your Mood and End Cravings and host of The Anxiety Summit now in its 6th season and called a “bouquet of hope.”

Trudy is passionate about sharing the powerful food mood connection because she experienced the results first-hand, finding complete resolution of her anxiety and panic attacks.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. AvatarD says

    August 14, 2017 at 9:02 am

    Both your email addresses bounced.
    I sent this message:
    You have several typos in your email. Do you want a proofreader? Contact me:

    “I believe so and feel it’s under-rated – and believer we’ll be hearing more about it….”

    And: Your Reply-to address doesn’t work. It bounced.

    Reply
    • Trudy ScottTrudy Scott says

      August 14, 2017 at 6:22 pm

      D
      Thanks for the messages. I’m usually pretty good about catching typos but injured my back and was doing a lot of this from a reclining position. It’s doing a lot better now

      And apologies about the emails bouncing – we have some web issues and trying to find solutions – and since folks can’t let us know emails are bouncing getting this message here on the blog is very helpful.

      Reply
  2. AvatarSara Bartlett says

    August 14, 2017 at 9:33 am

    Hi I would love to learn more about this by listening to the summit, but I have a silent meditation retreat booked for the same dates. Are there other options for viewing this?

    Reply
    • Trudy ScottTrudy Scott says

      August 14, 2017 at 6:18 pm

      Sara
      The summit is available for purchase so you can listen later when it suits you. When you register you’ll see the option to get it at pre-summit pricing which is the best deal too. Enjoy the summit and enjoy your silent retreat!

      Reply
  3. AvatarDonna says

    August 17, 2017 at 10:14 am

    This doesn’t pertain to the subject but can you please tell me where I can purchase hydroxycobalamine?
    Thank you.

    Reply
  4. AvatarSuzie says

    September 4, 2017 at 8:48 am

    Hi Trudy,
    I am so excited to hear your talk during the parasite seminar. What day do you speak during the seminar?

    Reply
    • Trudy ScottTrudy Scott says

      September 5, 2017 at 3:19 am

      Suzie
      My interview airs on day 7, Sept 21 – enjoy! It’s going to be a great summit

      Reply
  5. AvatarBrett says

    April 5, 2018 at 12:33 pm

    Hi Trudy,

    Wonderful blog, I have been dealing with social anxiety/depression all my life. I was diagnosed at the age of 13 and still dealing with many episodes, would you have anything on blushing of the face, I blush so easily with any interaction with people and it kills me slowly every time. I have yet not found any links towards blushing of the face and social anxiety so consistently. I also have been dealing with hives rash on my back and chest for years, doctors have no clue but to put me on steroids to help alleviate the inflammation.

    Thank you,

    Reply
    • Trudy ScottTrudy Scott says

      May 2, 2018 at 10:16 pm

      Brett
      When someone has social anxiety and blushing I look into pyroluria – more here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/pyroluria-questionnaire-from-the-antianxiety-food-solution/

      With hives I look into food sensitivities and we address those – gluten, dairy, soy, eggs, citrus, chocolate are common triggers. High histamine foods may be a factor too – in the hives and the blushing. More here https://www.everywomanover29.com/blog/anxiety-summit-histamine-anxiety-depression-schizophrenia/

      Reply
  6. AvatarLyn says

    July 11, 2018 at 5:20 pm

    Hi Trudy,
    How do you test for toxoplasma gondii ?

    Reply
    • Trudy ScottTrudy Scott says

      July 13, 2018 at 9:19 pm

      Lyn
      There are many functional stool tests and conventional testing is also avaialable

      Reply

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