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Health News Archive 224 - Bipolar Disorder
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids Support the Health of Bipolar Individuals

Ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the omega-3 fatty acid derived from fish, reduced depression in subjects with bipolar disorder when given in conjunction with standard bipolar treatment, a new study has found.

Epidemiological and clinical studies suggest that increased intake of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) alleviates unipolar depression. Consequently, a group of researchers at Institute of Psychiatry in London sought to examine whether EPA could help with depression in bipolar disorder.

In the 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 75 patients with bipolar disorder were randomly assigned into three groups. One group of 26 patients received a placebo, another group of 24 patients received 1 gram per day of ethyl-EPA, and a third group of 25 subjects received 2 grams per day of ethyl-EPA. The researchers noted changes in the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) in order to assess outcome. The researchers also assessed changes in the Young Mania Rating Scale and Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI).

After treatment with ethyl-EPA, the subjects’ scores on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression and Clinical Global Impression Scale significantly improved compared to subjects taking a placebo. One gram per day of ethyl-EPA was as effective as two grams per day. Both doses were well tolerated.

The study authors concluded, “Adjunctive ethyl-EPA is an effective and well-tolerated intervention in bipolar depression.”

Reference: Frangou S, Lewis M, McCrone P. Efficacy of ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid in bipolar depression: randomised double-blind placebo-controlled study. Br J Psychiatry. 2006 Jan;188:46-50.