Fish oil may play a role in stabilizing moods. The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil appear to improve brain function, including memory and performance, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Symptoms of omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies have been linked to mood swings, depression and fatigue. Bipolar disorder causes extreme mood swings from depression to periods of manic behavior. Research has had mixed results for the effects of fish oil on bipolar disorder and studies continue.
Short-Term Improvement
Researchers at Harvard Medical School analyzed 30 patients with bipolar disorder during a four-month study. Subjects were either given omega-3 fatty acids or placebo in addition to traditional treatment, such as medication or therapy. The people receiving omega-3s had significantly longer periods of stabilized moods than those in the control group. The researchers concluded that omega-3s provide short-term improvement for bipolar patients, according to "Archives of General Psychiatry."
Depressive Phase
In a study published in 2003 in "European Neuropsychopharmacology," omega-3s provided improvement for 28 patients with major depression at China Medical College Hospital. Patients given omega-3s during the eight-week trial along with traditional treatment had significantly decreased depression assessment scores than patients in a control group. Fish oil may improve the depression phases of bipolar disorder, but may not work effectively on the manic or energetic episodes patients experience, MedlinePlus notes.
Fish and Supplements
Fish containing high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids include tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines, herring, halibut and lake trout. You can also get fish oil from supplements. Many manufacturers make fish oil and omega-3 supplements from fish rich in omega-3s. Getting fish oil from foods provides you with other nutrients, but many fish oil supplements also include vitamins and minerals. Although research on its effectiveness for treating mental health issues continues, fish oil has been noted for its improvement in heart disease. The Food and Drug Administration approved a fish oil supplement named ethyl esters to lower triglycerides, which are fats in the blood that can lead to heart disease.
Treatment and Symptoms
Bipolar disorder requires treatment that includes therapy to help patients understand their problems and emotions along with medication to stabilize moods. Patients only use diet or supplements to assist in treatment under the supervision of a mental health professional. Bipolar patients experience different periods of mood episodes. They have depressive periods when they become extremely sad or hopeless and also have periods of being overexcited and enthusiastic. Depressive episodes include long periods of feeling worried, loss of interest in activities once enjoyed, frequent fatigue, trouble concentrating, and changes in eating or sleeping habits. Manic periods include being overly happy, having unrealistic goals, talking very fast or jumping from one subject to another, and acting impulsively.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- "Archives of General Psychiatry"; Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Bipolar Disorder; A.L. Stoll, et al.; May 1999
- MedlinePlus: Fish Oil
- "European Neuropsychopharmacology"; Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Major Depressive Disorder; K.P. Su, et al.; August 2003
- National Institute of Mental Health: Bipolar Disorder
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