Fish Oil For Mood Disorder

Fish oil is high in Omega-3 fatty acids and has many health benefits. Fish oil may play a role in minimizing symptoms of mood disorder, such as depression or bipolar disorder, but research regarding its efficacy is still in the beginning stages. Fish oil can be consumed by eating fish or taking fish oil supplements.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Medline Plus reports that Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids found in fish and some plant and nut oils. The types of Omega-3s in fish oil are docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, which are believed to benefit people with heart disease by lowering their risk of death, heart attack and stroke. Fish oil may be linked to mood disorders because Omega-3s are concentrated in the brain and appear to have a role in cognitive and behavioral function, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC. Fish high in Omega-3s include sardines, mackerel, salmon, halibut, lake trout, snapper, herring and canned white tuna.

Depression

Depression is characterized by a constant feeling of sadness. According to the National Mental Health Information Center, or NMHIC, symptoms include feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness and guilt, fatigue and disturbed thinking. More studies are needed to confirm the relationship between fish oil and depression but preliminary research has shown that supplements may help people with severe depression. The Mayo Clinic says people with depression may have low blood levels of EPA and DHA. The dosage of fish oil to treat depression is unclear but 100 to 300 mg of either EPA or a combination of EPA and DHA may help relieve symptoms. The Mayo Clinic warns that fish oil should not replace traditional therapies for depression but may help in combination with anti-depressant medications and other treatment forms.

Bipolar Disorder

The NMHIC says bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings that fluctuate between mania and depression. Symptoms of mania include euphoria, inflated self esteem, increased energy, aggression and agitation. According to the UMMC, scientific evidence of fish oil's effect on bipolar disorder is mixed however some studies have shown a decrease in mood swings associated with fish oil supplements.

Researchers from the Columbia University School of Nursing published an article in October 2008 in the "Archives of Psychiatric Nursing" that reviewed seven studies that used Omega-3 fatty acid supplements to improve bipolar disorder. The results of the review found that Omega-3 supplements were successful in four of the seven studies and that a combination of EPA and DHA was more effective than either one individually. Researchers concluded that future studies are necessary to confirm the efficacy of Omega-3s in bipolar disorder.

Dosage

The UMMC says dosing for fish oil supplements should be based on their EPA and DHA content. Supplements vary but fish oil capsules commonly contain 180 mg of EPA and 120 mg of DHA. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says up to 3,000 mg, or 3 grams, of Omega-3s from fish are considered safe for adults. Dosing recommendations have not been defined for children.

Safety and Side Effects

Medline Plus warns individuals with allergies to fish or shellfish to avoid fish oil supplements. Fish oil can increase the risk of bleeding, especially at high doses, and is not for people with bleeding disorders or those who take blood-thinning medications like Coumadin, warfarin or aspirin. Fish oil may lower blood sugar and should be used with caution by diabetics who use insulin or medications to lower blood sugar. Common side effects of fish oil include diarrhea, gas, bloating, abdominal pain, indigestion and fishy aftertaste.