Bipolar disorder ranks as the sixth leading cause of disability worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, resulting in a nine-year reduction in life expectancy. Alarmingly, statistics from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reveal that up to one in five patients with bipolar disorder completes suicide.
Moreover, while nine out of ten individuals are satisfied with their treatment for bipolar disorder, side effects remain a concern, as stated by the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance.
Recent studies suggest that individuals with bipolar disorder could benefit from dietary supplements focused on increasing omega-3s EPA and DHA, while reducing omega-6 fatty acids. This study was presented at the American Society of Clinical Psychopharmacology (ASCP) 2020 Virtual Conference in late May.
Dr. Erika Saunders, the study's lead investigator, posits that omega-3 plays a crucial role in mood stability in bipolar disorder, as indicated by this latest research. The suspected mechanisms involve the incorporation of omega-3 into brain neuron membranes and their role in creating signaling molecules.
The ups and downs of bipolar disorder
According to NIMH, bipolar disorder, formerly known as manic-depressive illness or manic depression, is a mental disorder causing unusual shifts in mood, energy, activity levels, concentration, and the ability to carry out day-to-day tasks.
There are three types of bipolar disorder: Bipolar I, Bipolar II, and Cyclothymic Disorder. All three involve significant mood swings ranging from extremely "up," elated, and irritable behavior (manic episodes) to very "down," sad, indifferent, or hopeless periods (depressive episodes).
The latest research involved participants aged 20 to 75 with similar levels of mood symptoms and pain. In addition to their ongoing treatments, 41 participants adopted a diet high in omega-3 fatty acids and low in omega-6 fatty acids, while another group (n=41) followed a control diet with typical American diet levels of omega-3 and omega-6 for 12 weeks.
Unaware of the omega-3 or omega-6 content in their diets, both groups received extensive guidance from a nutritionist, recipes, and dining-out advice. For instance, the high omega-3/low omega-6 group consumed more salmon and tuna, while the other group ate more white fish and low omega-3 seafood. Besides dietary changes, the intervention group also used a blend of macadamia and olive oil.
At the study's conclusion, significant reductions were noted in participants' mood swings, energy, irritability, and pain.
Dr. Saunders emphasized the necessity of such studies, given many bipolar patients do not achieve complete mood stability with medications alone, highlighting the need for additional treatments.
Other recent studies on omega-3 and mental health have also shown positive outcomes, especially when appropriate doses are administered, similar to the findings in bipolar disorder research discussed earlier. This ongoing research indicates the potential role of omega-3 in preventing and possibly treating mental disorders by focusing on nutrients shown to benefit mental health.
As the connection between dietary omega-3 intake and mental health continues to unfold, further research is needed to personalize clinical applications of omega-3 in mental health treatment, potentially establishing specific omega-3 blood level targets for cognitive function and mental health in the future.
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