Diet can often help improve psychiatric disorders, particularly for patients deficient in omega-3 fats like fish oil is. Omega-3s such as EPA and DHA help keep depression levels down in nations where fish consumption is more widespread.
Research on omega-3s has provided evidence of their ability to help improve mood across several conditions, though this should not be seen as a replacement for antidepressant medication or psychotherapy.
Depression
Omega-3s can help mitigate depression, and are an invaluable complement for people taking antidepressants. Omega-3s appear to influence how the brain processes serotonin and may prevent or alleviate premenstrual symptoms; one study found that taking omega-3 supplements containing 2 grams each of EPA and DHA daily significantly decreased PMS depression in 20 menopausal women, according to a report in “Menopause.”
Seven RCTs conducted with patients suffering from mild to moderate depression have demonstrated the efficacy of EPA plus DHA either alone, as part of an augmentation therapy protocol (with or without citalopram), or added onto existing psychotropic medication regimens as additional therapy [35]
Studies suggest that long-chain omega-3s may help treat bipolar disorder symptoms of depression and mania while augmenting mood stabilizers like lithium. Before adding omega-3s to existing medications or treatments for mental illness, clients must consult their doctor. Furthermore, pregnant or breastfeeding clients who take blood thinners or have bleeding disorders should avoid omega-3s because these supplements could cause blood thinning [38]
Bipolar Disorder
Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid) have long been studied as effective treatments for various mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder and depression.
Bipolar disorder patients experience periods of both elevated mood states (mania) and depression. Psychotherapy can assist them in learning to recognize warning signs and manage the emotional ups and downs associated with their disorder.
Evidence to date suggests that omega-3 fatty acids can effectively treat and prevent depression at an estimated dose of about one gram per day; EPA appears more efficacious than DHA, while patients suffering more severe forms of depression experienced greater treatment gains from using these omega-3s. Furthermore, trials conducted have also suggested omega-3s may attenuate manic episodes in those suffering bipolar disorder while decreasing its frequency as well.
Researchers are studying whether omega-3s can protect against schizophrenia development. A randomized trial published in February 2010 of Archives of General Psychiatry included 81 very high risk people given either 1.2 g/day of omega-3s or placebo for 30 days.
Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental illness, usually appearing during early adulthood or adolescence, that manifests with delusions, hallucinations and cognitive issues. People living with schizophrenia die 10-20 years earlier due to cardiometabolic conditions2.
Recent research among young adults at ultra-high risk for psychosis found that higher blood levels of omega-3 polyunsatured fatty acids (PUFAs) were linked with reduced psychotic symptoms and better functioning, and were the first study of its kind to examine dietary intake of PUFAs by those at ultra-high risk, along with changes in erythrocyte fatty acid composition.
While numerous randomized clinical trials have demonstrated positive results of add-on EPA supplementation in chronic schizophrenia, few studies are focusing on first-episode schizophrenia. Results of the PORT trial indicate that 12 weeks of supplementation with ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) resulted in significant decreases of psychopathology, suggesting it might be effective as primary therapy in first-episode cases; longer term follow-up has not yet been provided.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Omega-3s may help alleviate symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which is characterized by obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions involve thoughts, images or urges that cause anxiety, disgust or distress and may involve fears of contamination, harm to loved ones or self-harm; people living with OCD find these urges illogical, but they cannot stop them; to manage these compulsions they perform ritualistic behaviors such as washing hands repeatedly, checking objects over and over, repeating numbers or words or numbers over and over, counting items over and over and counting items over and over or tapping items over and over as well as counting/arranging/arranging and seeking reassurances; this behavior may consume hours out of an individual’s day and interfere with work, family life or social activities affecting work/social life.
Studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of omega-3s for mood, even helping prevent depression or bipolar disorder. Omega-3s may also provide protection from schizophrenia; one study with 81 people at ultra-high risk of psychosis who took either 1.2 g of omega-3s daily for 12 weeks (or placebo) had reduced episodes of psychosis – suggesting HUFA treatment might prevent full-blown psychotic episodes from manifesting themselves.
Anxiety
Omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA found in fish oil have anti-anxiety benefits. A recent review and meta-analysis concluded that supplementing with at least 2,000 mg daily of fish oil reduced anxiety symptoms significantly more effectively than placebo.
Deficits in these fatty acids have been linked with aggression, impulsivity, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and mood disorders in animal models. Furthermore, studies indicate that diets rich in EPA and DHA help decrease anxiety-like behaviors.
One dietary source of omega-3s is alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), which the body converts into DHA and EPA for conversion purposes. ALA can be found in plant sources such as nuts, seeds and flaxseed.
Omega-3 PUFAs may act on their own or as an add-on medication to treat depression and anxiety; more research must be conducted. It’s best to seek guidance from a medical provider when taking any dietary supplements as excessive doses could have adverse reactions; long-term trials have not demonstrated that this supplement will have any positive impact on mood disorders such as depression or anxiety.
