Fish oil may provide benefits for people with mental health issues, but such disorders require professional therapy and sometimes medication for treatment. Attention deficit disorder or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, known as ADD or ADHD respectively, cause inattention or hyperactivity in children, although some adults also suffer from the condition. Deficiencies in substances found in fish oil have been found in children with the disorder.
Inattention
Children with ADHD may have behavior dominated by either inattention or hyperactivity, or may exhibit both behaviors during different periods. Symptoms of inattention include difficulty performing tasks, avoiding details or making careless mistakes during work and play activities, Psych Central notes. The child may not seem to listen to what an adult is saying or be willing to make necessary changes to accomplish duties or activities. Other signs may include becoming easily distracted, forgetfulness or a tendency to lose materials needed for tasks or activities.
Hyperactive
Hyperactivity may result in fidgeting with hands or feet in the chair, abruptly leaving a seat in class or other situations and running or climbing over things during inappropriate times. The child may talk excessively or have difficulty engaging in activities quietly. Signs of impulsivity include blurting out answers in the middle of a question, interrupting or difficulty waiting for a turn.
Deficiencies
Children with ADHD may have low levels of omega-3 fatty acids, which come from oily fish. Omega-3s are essential for health, growth and development. The University of Maryland Medical Center points to a study of nearly 100 boys, which found those with lower levels of omega-3s had more learning and behavioral problems than the boys with normal levels. Fish oil may improve thinking skills and behavior for children with ADHD, MedlinePlus states. However, studies have had mixed results and continue on the effectiveness of fish oil on the condition.
Potential and Treatment
Fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids include tuna, salmon, sardines, mackerel, herring and halibut. Manufacturers make many fish oil supplements from fish with omega-3s. Although fish oil holds promise for improving ADHD, depression and other mental health conditions, its effectiveness for protecting the heart has led the FDA to approve a fish oil supplement, ethyl esters, to help lower triglycerides, fats in the blood that cause heart disease. A nutritious, well-balanced diet may aid people going through mental or emotional problems. However, treatment for ADHD focuses mainly on therapy to help children work through their emotional difficulties and medication to improve focus and learning.
