Bipolar disorder affects about 4 percent of people, the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library reports, and usually first becomes evident in young adulthood. Men and women have an equal likelihood of developing bipolar disorder. The usual treatments for bipolar disorder, mood stabilizers, have a number of side effects. Omega-3 fatty acids in the form of fish oil have shown some promise in treating bipolar disorder in conjunction with conventional medication.
Definition
Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil include docosahexaenoic acid, or DHA, and eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA. Fish oils have a clinically proven benefit in reducing the risk of heart disease by lowering triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein levels. Studies have looked at the benefit of either DHA or EPA alone as well as both fatty acids used together, usually given in addition to other medications.
Purpose
Omega-3 fatty acids appear to act similarly within cells to lithium and valproate, two treatments frequently used to treat bipolar disorder, psychiatrist Jim Phelps says on his website PsychEducation. The drugs used to treat bipolar disorder have numerous adverse effects, according to the Merck Manuals, and many people need more than one medication to manage their symptoms. Using fish oil, which has few side effects, to improve bipolar symptoms would allow patients to take less conventional medication.
Benefits
A Cochrane Review of five studies found omega-3 fatty acid supplementation improved depressive but not manic symptoms. The University of Maryland Medical Center website reports that one study of 30 patients found fish oil in addition to conventional medications for four months produced fewer mood swings and relapses than among those taking a placebo. Phelps reported on a number of studies with mixed results; the most benefit seen was in patients with depression.
Risks
People who have bleeding disorders or who take blood thinners may experience more bleeding when taking fish oil. The only other side effect of fish oil is a fishy taste when burping. Several patients in different studies did develop hypomania, or elevated mood, while taking fish oil supplements, Phelps says, but it's unclear if this development was related to the fish oil itself.
Considerations
Fish oil appears to have some benefit on bipolar disorder. It can take several months for any benefit to become evident, Phelps explains. Because there's sufficient initial evidence for some benefit from fish oil, large, well-organized clinical trials are needed to determine which fatty acid has the most benefit and the most effective dosage. It's unlikely patients could discontinue all mood stabilizers and just take fish oil, Phelps cautions.
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