Deficits in omega-3 fatty acids identified as a contributing factor to mood disorders and offer a potential rational treatment approach
This article is an overview by New Zealand researchers of epidemiological and treatment studies suggesting that deficits in dietary-based omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may make an etiological contribution to mood disorders and that supplementation with omega-3 fatty acids may provide a therapeutic strategy. Relevant published studies are detailed and considered.
They found: “Several epidemiological studies suggest covariation between seafood consumption and rates of mood disorders. Biological marker studies indicate deficits in omega-3 fatty acids in people with depressive disorders, while several treatment studies indicate therapeutic benefits from omega-3 supplementation. A similar contribution of omega-3 fatty acids to coronary artery disease may explain the well-described links between coronary artery disease and depression."
The researchers concluded: “Deficits in omega-3 fatty acids have been identified as a contributing factor to mood disorders and offer a potential rational treatment approach. This review identifies a number of hypotheses and studies for consideration. In particular, the authors argue for studies clarifying the efficacy of omega-3 supplementation for unipolar and bipolar depressive disorders, both as individual and augmentation treatment strategies, and for studies pursuing which omega-3 fatty acid, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) or docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), is likely to provide the greatest benefit.”
An interesting connection between omega-3 fatty acids as a contributing factor to mood disorders that points to a therapeutic approach.
American Journal of Psychiatry 163:969-978, June 2006. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.163.6.969. © 2006 American Psychiatric Association
Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Mood Disorders, Gordon Parker, M.D., Ph.D, D.Sc., F.R.A.N.Z.C.P., Neville A. Gibson, Ph.D., Heather Brotchie, M.B.B.S., B.A., Gabriella Heruc, B.B.Sc., B.Sc. (Hons.), Anne-Marie Rees, B.Sc., F.R.A.N.Z.C.P., D.R.A.N.Z.C.O.G. and Dusan Hadzi-Pavlovic, B.Sc., M.Psychol.
Category P. Psychological, T. Endocrine/Metabolic/Nutritional. Keywords: omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, EPA. docosahexaenoic acid, DHA, mood disorders, unipolar depression, bipolar depression, suicide risk, cohort study
Synopsis edited by Professor Wes Fabb, Melbourne. Posted on Global Family Doctor 24 August 2006
Low docosahexaenoic acid percentage and low omega-3 proportions of lipid profile predicted risk of suicidal behavior among depressed patients
As low levels of docosahexaenoic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and elevated ratios of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids are associated with major depression and, possibly, suicidal behavior, predicting risk of future suicidal behaviors by essential fatty acid status merits examination, US researchers measured plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in phospholipids in 33 medication-free depressed subjects monitored for suicide attempt over a 2-year period. Survival analysis examined the association of plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid status and pathological outcome.
They found: “7 subjects attempted suicide on follow-up. A lower docosahexaenoic acid percentage of total plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids and a higher omega-6/omega-3 ratio predicted suicide attempt.”
The researchers concluded: “A low docosahexaenoic acid percentage and low omega-3 proportions of lipid profile predicted risk of suicidal behavior among depressed patients over the 2-year period. If confirmed, this finding would have implications for the neurobiology of suicide and reduction of suicide risk.”
Another study on omega-3 fatty acids and depression; this one suggests that low levels may be a predictor of suicide risk.
American Journal of Psychiatry 163:1100-1102, June 2006. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.163.6.1100. © 2006 American Psychiatric Association
Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Essential Fatty Acid Status as a Predictor of Future Suicide Risk, M. Elizabeth Sublette, M.D., Ph.D., Joseph R. Hibbeln, M.D., Hanga Galfalvy, Ph.D., Maria A. Oquendo, M.D. and J. John Mann, Ph.D.
Category P. Psychological, T. Endocrine/Metabolic/Nutritional. Keywords: omega-3 fatty acids, docosahexaenoic acid, plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids, omega-6/omega-3 ratio, depression, suicide risk, cohort study
Synopsis edited by Professor Wes Fabb, Melbourne. Posted on Global Family Doctor 24 August 2006
Omega-3 fatty acids may have therapeutic benefits in childhood depression
Major depressive disorder in children may be more common than previously thought, and its therapeutics are unclear. Because of success in a previous study on omega-3 fatty acids in adult major depressive disorder, US researchers carried out a pilot study of omega-3 fatty acids in childhood major depression. Children who entered the study were between the ages of 6 and 12. Ratings were performed at baseline and at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks using Children’s Depression Rating Scale (CDRS), Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), and Clinical Global Impression (CGI). Children were randomized to omega-3 fatty acids or placebo as pharmacologic monotherapy. 28 patients were randomized, and 20 completed at least 1 month’s ratings.
They found: “Analysis of variance showed highly significant effects of omega-3 on symptoms using the CDRS, CDI, and CGI.”
The researchers concluded: “Omega-3 fatty acids may have therapeutic benefits in childhood depression.”
A further study of omega-3 fatty acids that points to their therapeutic potential in childhood depression.
American Journal of Psychiatry 163:1098-1100, June 2006. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.163.6.1098. © 2006 American Psychiatric Association
Omega-3 Treatment of Childhood Depression: A Controlled, Double-Blind Pilot Study, Hanah Nemets, M.D., Boris Nemets, M.D., Alan Apter, M.D., Ziva Bracha, M.D. and R.H. Belmaker, M.D.
Category P. Psychological, T. Endocrine/Metabolic/Nutritional. Keywords: omega-3 fatty acids, therapeutic benefits, childhood depression, pilot study
Synopsis edited by Professor Wes Fabb, Melbourne. Posted on Global Family Doctor 24 August 2006
