Cod Liver Oil & Mental Health

Omega-3 fatty acids, found abundantly in fish and fish oils like cod liver oil, may provide a wide array of health benefits. In recent years, researchers have found that omega-3 fatty acids may have a beneficial effect on mental health. Specifically, cold liver oil may be helpful for conditions such as depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Although cod liver oil may provide benefits for these conditions, you should not use it as a replacement for conventional medical care. Consult your health care provider if you plan to use cod liver oil or take an omega-3 supplement.

About Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are vital for maintaining mental and physical health. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, omega-3 acids help reduce inflammation, maintain proper brain function and play a role in growth and development. Your body cannot manufacture omega-3 fatty acids, so you must obtain them from dietary sources. Dietary sources of omega-3 acids include plant, nut and fish oils like cod liver oil. You can also purchase over-the-counter omega-3 supplements. If you are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, you may experience symptoms such as lethargy or fatigue, depression, mood swings and problems with concentration or memory.

Benefits for Depression

While cod liver oil is not a cure for depression, research has shown that it may have a beneficial effect on reducing or alleviating depressive symptoms. Symptoms of depression include feelings of low self-worth, hopelessness, fatigue, tearfulness, sadness, irritability and appetite or sleep difficulties. While depression is typically treated with medication and psychotherapy, cod liver oil may also help. A study published in the August 2007 issue of the "Journal of Affective Disorders" measured the effects of cod liver oil on depressive symptoms. The results of this study found that participants who regularly used cod liver oil were less likely to exhibit symptoms of depression.

Benefits for Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by mood swings alternating between mania and depression. Doctors typically treat bipolar disorder with mood-stabilizing medications and antidepressants. However, some studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may have a beneficial effect on reducing some of symptoms of bipolar disorder. A study published in the May 1999 "Archives of General Psychiatry" showed that patients with bipolar disorder experienced a significant reduction in symptoms when given omega-3 fatty acids supplements in combination with their usual medical treatment. More studies are needed to confirm these benefits. If you suffer from bipolar disorder, do not attempt to self-treat your condition. Medication is necessary for managing symptoms of bipolar disorder. Consult your doctor if you plan to use cod liver oil or other omega-3 fatty acid supplement.

Benefits for Schizophrenia

Schizophrenia is a chronic mental illness with serious, debilitating symptoms. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, schizophrenia affects around 1 percent of the general population. Schizophrenics tend to experience hallucinations, delusions, cognitive problems such as thought disorders and have difficulty in normal social interactions and experiences, among other symptoms. Schizophrenia is treated with a combination of medications and psychosocial interventions. However, some studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may also help with reducing symptoms of schizophrenia. A study published in the January 1996 issue of the journal "Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental," showed that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids was associated with decreased symptoms in schizophrenic study participants. However, further research is needed to fully confirm these benefits.

Benefits for ADHD

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD, is a problematic disorder that manifests in symptoms of hyperactivity, inattention and impulsivity. While this disorder may be treated with psychosocial interventions or medication, researchers are increasingly interested in the role of nutrition and dietary supplementation in alleviating or reducing symptoms of ADHD. The evidence that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may help is still shaky, but some studies have shown beneficial results. A review of clinical studies, published in 2006 in the "International Review of Psychiatry," showed that while studies have had mixed results, some have shown that omega-3 supplementation had significant benefits for reducing symptoms of ADHD in some children. While the results of these studies have been promising, more clinical research is required to fully evaluate the benefits of omega-3 supplementation on ADHD symptoms.