According to the Anxiety Disorder Association of America, half of the people who experience depression also experience anxiety. Both conditions affect the a person's physical and psychological well-being and put her at risk for feelings of sadness, hopelessness and worrisome thoughts. Studies indicate that fish oil may play a role in depression and anxiety reduction, but further research is necessary to validate this claim.
Anxiety and Depression
Although anxiety and depression often go hand in hand, there are some differences in their symptoms. Persons with depression may stop participating in activities that they once found enjoyable, may experience mood swings and may notice changes in appetite. Persons with anxiety experience exaggerated concern and distress when they think about things such as everyday tasks and relationships.
Fish Oil
Fish oil contains omega-3 fatty acids, also knows as essential fatty acids (EFAs). Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to brain health (half of the brain's dry weight comes from fat), decrease inflammation, help form flexible cell membranes and help regulate chemical messengers and hormones in the brain (which are responsible for mood).
Fish Oil and Treatment
The March 1999 issue of "Psychiatry Review" revealed study results that demonstrated that persons with major depression often have low levels of omega-3s. In 2007, Andrew L.Stoll, MD, of Harvard Medical School, conducted a review of 10 clinical trials that used fish oil to treat mental health patients. The study yielded positive results; ingestion of fish oil helped stabilize the patients' moods. Because anxiety and depression are often interchangeable, fish oil may play a role in anxiety reduction. According to the Mayo Clinic, studies have revealed that fish oil may help treat postpartum and early childhood depression, but more research is needed. No scientific studies have focused on the role of fish oil in treatment of anxiety.
Recommendations
Dr. Stoll recommends that persons with depression speak with their doctor before adding a fish oil supplement to their diet. Fish oil supplements should be an addition to therapy, not a replacement of medications. The recommended daily dosage is 1 to 2g of omega-3s.
Warnings
Choose fish oils that contain high concentrations of omega-3s. Avoid cod liver oil or other fish liver oils--they increase the risk of vitamin A and vitamin D toxicity. Fish oil does not interact well with blood thinners and may increase the risk of bleeding. Fish oil may cause small drops in blood sugar and may affect the blood glucose levels in persons with diabetes.
