•  
  •  

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Bipolar Disorder

Topic Overview

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in marine or plant sources, such as fish oil and flaxseed oil. Preliminary studies suggest that people with bipolar disorder who take omega-3 fatty acids have a significantly longer period in which their mood is stable with no episodes of depression or mania (remission).1

There are few, if any, negative side effects of taking omega-3 fatty acids. Loose stools were reported most often. Researchers think that omega-3 fatty acids may block signals in the central nervous system that trigger depression and mania. But more research needs to be conducted before there is sufficient evidence that omega-3 fatty acids improve the course of bipolar disorder.2

References

Citations

  1. Lin PY, Su KP (2007). A meta-analytic review of double-blind, placebo-controlled trials for antidepressant efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 68(7): 1056–1061.
  2. Montgomery P, Richardson AJ (2009). Omega-3 fatty acids for bipolar disorder. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (1).

Credits

By Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry
Last Revised March 1, 2012

Last Revised: March 1, 2012

Author: Healthwise Staff

Medical Review: Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine & Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.

To learn more visit Healthwise.org

© 1995-2012 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.