Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Bipolar Disorder
Topic Overview
Omega-3 fatty acids are found in marine or plant sources,
such as fish oil and flaxseed oil. Preliminary studies suggest that people with
bipolar disorder who take omega-3 fatty acids have a
significantly longer period in which their mood is stable with no episodes of
depression or mania (remission).1
There
are few, if any, negative side effects of taking omega-3 fatty acids. Loose
stools were reported most often. Researchers think that omega-3 fatty acids may
block signals in the central nervous system that trigger depression and mania.
But more research needs to be conducted before there is sufficient evidence
that omega-3 fatty acids improve the course of bipolar disorder.2
References
Citations
-
Lin PY, Su KP (2007). A meta-analytic review of
double-blind, placebo-controlled trials for antidepressant efficacy of omega-3
fatty acids. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(7):
1056–1061.
-
Montgomery P, Richardson AJ (2009). Omega-3 fatty acids for bipolar disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (1).
Credits
|
By
|
Healthwise Staff |
|
Primary Medical Reviewer
|
Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
|
Specialist Medical Reviewer
|
Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry |
|
Last Revised
|
March 1, 2012 |
Last Revised:
March 1, 2012
Lin PY, Su KP (2007). A meta-analytic review of
double-blind, placebo-controlled trials for antidepressant efficacy of omega-3
fatty acids. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(7):
1056–1061.
Montgomery P, Richardson AJ (2009). Omega-3 fatty acids for bipolar disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (1).
