Reduced mania and depression in juvenile bipolar disorder associated with long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation

Eur J Clin Nutr. 2009 Aug;63(8):1037-40. doi: 10.1038/ejcn.2008.81. Epub 2009 Jan 21.

Abstract

Long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (LCn-3PUFA) supplementation may improve symptoms of depression in children and bipolar disorder (BD) in adults. No studies have examined the effectiveness of LCn-3PUFA supplementation in the treatment of mania and depression in juvenile BD (JBD) when given as an adjunct to standard pharmacological treatment. Eighteen children and adolescents with JBD received supplements containing 360 mg per day eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and 1560 mg per day docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for 6 weeks in an open-label study. Intake and fasting red blood cell (RBC) LCn-3PUFA, mania, depression and global function were assessed before and after supplementation. RBC EPA and DHA were significantly higher following supplementation. Clinician ratings of mania and depression were significantly lower and global functioning significantly higher after supplementation. Parent ratings of internalizing and externalizing behaviours were also significantly lower following supplementation. A larger randomized controlled trial appears warranted in this participant population.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adolescent Behavior / drug effects
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Antimanic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Bipolar Disorder / blood
  • Bipolar Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Child
  • Child Behavior / drug effects
  • Dietary Supplements*
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / blood
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / pharmacology
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / therapeutic use*
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / blood
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / pharmacology
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / therapeutic use*
  • Erythrocytes / drug effects
  • Female
  • Fish Oils / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Antimanic Agents
  • Fish Oils
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid