Omega-3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder

13.11.2007

Omega-3 fatty acids were well tolerated and improved the short-term course of illness in preliminary study of patients with bipolar disorder. These are the results from the famous bipolar disorder trial by Dr. Andrew Stoll.

In this preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled trial study it was examined whether omega-3 fatty acids may inhibit neuronal signal transduction pathways, similar to that of lithium carbonate treatment, or exhibited mood-stabilizing properties in bipolar disorder. The omega-3 fatty acid patient group had a significantly longer period of remission than the placebo group. In addition, for nearly every other outcome measure, the omega-3 fatty acid group performed better than the placebo group.

A L Stoll (1999) Omega-3 fatty acids in bipolar disorder – A preliminary double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Archives of General Psychiatry, 56, 407-412.

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