Approximately one in four Americans age 18 or older suffer from a mental disorder in a given year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. These are illnesses just like "regular" illnesses; it is not a result of not being "tough enough" or simply feeling sad. There are many treatments available for mental illness, and some people find fish oil helps reduce their symptoms. If you are interested in using fish oil for mental illness, talk to your health care provider first to see if this would benefit you.
Depression
Two of the omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil, EPA and DHA, have been shown to cause antidepressant effects in humans, states an article published in "Nutrition Journal." The article goes on to state that ingesting 1.5 to 2 grams daily of omega-3 fatty acids that contain EPA has been found to elevate mood in patients with depression, but any dosage higher than three grams does not appear to be more effective than placebo. Many studies have shown mixed results, says the University of Maryland Medical Center, and more research is needed.
Bipolar Disorder
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, which help regulate moods and thinking. The article in "Nutrition Journal" states that many individuals with bipolar disorder have been found to have deficiencies in omega-3 fatty acids. The UMMC states that one study found that individuals taking fish oil in addition to their prescribed medication for bipolar disorder had a reduced amount of mood swings and relapse than those patients who took a placebo, although other studies have not found this.
Schizophrenia
Individuals with schizophrenia have been found to have low levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including DHA, states an article published in the journal "The Israel Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences." In individuals who have not yet entered their first full-blown episode pf psychosis, omega-3 fatty acids may prevent those in the prodromal state from entering psychosis, as well as reduce the amount of anti-psychotic medication needed, according to the article.
Considerations
While fish oil may help reduce symptoms of various mental illnesses, it is not a comprehensive treatment. Mental illness is a serious condition, and a trained health care provider is needed to evaluate your condition and help you find the right treatments for you. Traditional prescription medication, behavioral modification, as well as counseling may be recommended, in addition to using fish oil supplements.
References
- Nutrition Journal: Nutritional therapies for mental disorders; Shaheen E Lakhan, et al.; 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 fatty acids
- "The Israel Journal of Psychiatry and Related Sciences": Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the treatment of schizophrenia; M. Peet; 2008
- National Institute of Mental Health: The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America
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