Omega-3 for Bipolar

Omega-3 fatty acids have gained a lot of attention in recent years. Touted as a beneficial supplement for preventing heart disease and certain types of cancers, reducing blood pressure, improving cognitive functioning and improving arthritis symptoms, it's no surprise that researchers have developed interest in studying the benefits of omega-3 acids for mental health disorders such as bipolar disorder and depression.

About Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are important for a number of vital biological processes. Your body cannot manufacture omega-3 fatty acids, so you must obtain them from dietary sources. Dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish, especially salmon, tuna and mackerel; plant oils such as olive, walnut and soybean oils; and certain types of nuts, such as walnuts. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for brain functioning, growth and development, and they may reduce inflammation and the risk of some diseases. Omega-3 supplementation may have a positive effect on reducing mood swings and other associated symptoms of bipolar disorder, adds UMMC.

Bipolar Disorder and Conventional Treatments

Bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression or manic depressive disorder, is a serious mental illness that affects your mood, ability to function and behavior. The disorder is characterized by the presence of intense mood swings, alternating between depressive and manic episodes. Depressive symptoms include feelings of lethargy, hopelessness, fatigue, low self-esteem, and suicidal gestures or ideation. Manic episodes result in impulsive or reckless behaviors, feelings of extreme highs or grandiosity, feeling jittery or irritable, and hallucinations or delusions in some cases. Bipolar disorder is typically treated with medication, therapy, lifestyle changes and social support.

Omega-3 for Bipolar: Clinical Evidence

A study published in the May 1999 "Archives of General Psychiatry" showed that omega-3 supplementation may improve the symptoms and course of bipolar disorder. Another study published in the January 2006 issue of the "British Journal of Psychiatry" researched the effects of ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid, a derivative of the omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid, also referred to as EPA, on bipolar disorder. The study found that EPA provides benefits for bipolar disorder and was well-tolerated by study participants. Additionally, a small study published in the June 2005 "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry" provided encouraging evidence for the use of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation for patients with bipolar disorder. Based on the clinical evidence, it appears that omega-3 acids may provide a number of benefits for bipolar disorder symptoms, although further studies are required.

Considerations

Omega-3 fatty acids may provide benefits for bipolar disorder. However, you should not discontinue taking any prescribed medication unless directed to do so by your doctor. According to UMMC, omega-3 acids can cause interactions with certain medications and may cause undesirable side effects in some people. Consult your doctor before using omega-3 supplements.