MyChart
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. A few studies suggest that adding omega-3 fatty acids to medicine (such as lithium) can help reduce the depressive symptoms of bipolar disorder in some people. Omega-3 fatty acids don't seem to have an effect on the manic symptoms of bipolar disorder. And omega-3 fatty acids alone are not a good treatment for bipolar disorder. They are not a replacement for medicine or other therapy used to treat bipolar disorder.footnote 1, footnote 2
There are few, if any, negative side effects from omega-3 fatty acids. Loose stools are reported most often. Researchers think that omega-3 fatty acids help support the membranes of brain cells. This makes it easier for the cells to send signals to one another, which may make depressive symptoms less likely.footnote 1
Related Information
References
Citations
Credits
Current as of: January 31, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review: Patrice Burgess, MD, FAAFP - Family Medicine
Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine
Christine R. Maldonado, PhD - Behavioral Health
- Top of the page
Next Section:
Related Information
Previous Section:
Topic Overview- Top of the page
Next Section:
References
Previous Section:
Related Information- Top of the page
Next Section:
Credits
Previous Section:
References- Top of the page
Current as of: January 31, 2020
Author: Healthwise Staff
Medical Review:Patrice Burgess, MD, FAAFP - Family Medicine & Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine & Christine R. Maldonado, PhD - Behavioral Health
