Is there any evidence in support of fish oil supplements to help depression in bipolar disorder?

The evidence for the benefits of fish oil (or omega-3 fatty acids) in the treatment of depression is mixed.  Some studies show moderate benefit, and some show no more benefit than a placebo.  But no studies show harm from fish oil supplements, and (unlike antidepressant medications) fish oil supplements do not seem to increase risk of mania or greater mood instability.  We would like to have more evidence, but the evidence we have now indicates that fish oil is safe and may be helpful to some people in reducing symptoms of depression.

About the Doc

About the Doc

Greg Simon, MD, MPH, is a psychiatrist and researcher at  Kaiser Permanente Washington Health Research Institute in Seattle. His research focuses on improving the quality and availability of mental health services for people living with mood disorders, and he has a specific interest in activating consumers to expect and demand more effective mental health care.