Omega 3 fatty acids play important roles in many of the biochemical processes of the body. They are involved in the production of many chemicals used for communication including steroid hormones and neurotransmitters. There has been epidemiological evidence that the consumption of fish may decrease the likelihood one would suffer from depression. Evidence has been found to connect abnormal metabolism of omega 3 fatty acids and eicosanoids may have a causal role in depression.

Omega 3 fatty acids including eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) have been investigated as a possible treatment for mood disorders such as depression, bipolar disorder, and dysthymia. In June the Journal of Clinical Psychology published the results of a small open label study testing the efficacy of EPA for bipolar disorder.

The study enrolled 12 participants being treated for Bipolar I disorder in an outpatient setting. The patients were diagnosed according to criteria in the DSM-IV. Patients were given 1.5-2.0 grams of EPA per day for 6 months in addition to their current medications for the disorder.

The results of the study showed that 8 out of 10 patients who consumed the recommended amount of EPA for greater than one month had a 50% reduction in scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. The Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression is a routinely used modality for assessing clinical change in mood disorders. Throughout the study no patients developed hypomania or manic symptoms. No side effects from the ingestion of EPA were reported.

Overall the researchers were satisfied with the results of the study. A few limitations to the study exist such as the small sample size, it was an open label study, and it did not test the efficacy of EPA in severe cases of bipolar disease, which can be encountered in an inpatient setting. The positive aspects of the study definitely support the proposition to fund a larger, double blind study perhaps in an inpatient setting.

Omega 3 fatty acids such as EPA have proven to be a safe, effective add on treatment for mild to moderate bipolar disorder. It does not cause fluctuations in mood nor result in hypomania or manic symptoms, which can often occur with the addition of new antidepressants or conventional medications for bipolar.