Symptoms of bipolar disorder can affect your personal, social, and work life. Here’s how omega-3 supplements may be able to help reduce your symptoms.
Symptoms of bipolar disorder can seriously affect your life. Whether you have bipolar I or II, this mood disorder can make it difficult to live like others.
Standard treatment involves mood-stabilizing medications as well as supportive at-home practices. But sometimes this isn’t quite enough to control your changing emotions. However, you may be able to take omega-3 supplements with your treatment to help reduce symptoms. But first, how does a bipolar disorder affect you and how could omega-3s help?
What is bipolar disorder?
Bipolar disorder (formerly manic depression) is a disorder that causes drastic mood changes. People with this disorder often go from phases of high energy to depressive low ones.
These high-energy phases are manic episodes and are part of mania. You can have mania without being bipolar. When a manic episode is followed by a phase of low, sad feelings, that’s bipolar disorder. These low phases are depressive episodes and are part of major depression.
How exactly do you know if you’re experiencing episodes of mania or depression? Let’s look at the symptoms of bipolar disorder as well as the differences between bipolar I and II.
What are the Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder?
There are two types of bipolar disorders, bipolar 1 and 2. For each, you must experience at least one episode of mania or hypomania. These are often accompanied by at least one episode of major depression.
- A manic episode is characterized by feelings of ecstatic mood. They can include exaggerated self-importance, talkativeness, increased sociability, racing thoughts, risky or inappropriate behaviour, and increased sex drive.
- Hypomania is more often associated with bipolar II. It involves these same symptoms but to a lesser degree. Episodes of hypomania don’t last as long as mania, either.
- Depressive episodes leave you feeling sad and lethargic. Major depressive episode symptoms often include loss of interest or pleasure in activities, changes in appetite, sleep problems, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness, problems concentrating or making decisions, and suicidal thoughts.
Not everyone with bipolar experiences episodes of major depression. Sometimes these phases are less severe.
The change between these phases is called “cycling”. Some cycle quickly while others cycle much slower. The order and severity of phases are also different per person. This is where the difference between the types of bipolar disorders comes in.
Bipolar I Disorder
To get a diagnosis, you need to have at least one episode of mania at least once a week. Your symptoms should affect your daily function. These symptoms also must not relate to substance use or a different condition.
Bipolar II disorder
For a diagnosis, you must have at least one episode of hypomania that lasts for four days or longer with at least three symptoms. These should be noticeable changes to others but don’t need to affect your daily life.
These changes seem pretty intense, so how can simple Omega-3s help reduce symptoms?
Can Omega-3 Supplements Stabilize Mood?
Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oils and flaxseed oil, may help those with bipolar disorder. EPA and DHA are two long-chain omega-3s that play essential roles in your brain. They impact nerve cells and help the signaling between them. Studies find them to be helpful with symptoms of depression when used with mood stabilizers.
The highs of mania may feel enjoyable so, taking medications to stabilize your mood may cause you to feel like you’re having a period of depression. So, taking omega-3s with this medication could help you feel more stable. Because these oils benefit your brain and heart in general, it can’t hurt to try them out!
But how exactly does this work?
Omega-3 Benefits for Bipolar Disorder
A review finds that taking omega-3 supplements may improve symptoms of depression. Supplements with higher doses of EPA tended to provide greater results. But how does this work? Researchers think it may have something to do with how omega-3s affect serotonin.
Mood disorders in general may also be affected by inflammation. A study found that people with high levels of inflammation have a higher risk for mental distress. Omega-3s offer anti-inflammatory properties. Supplementing with these may help reduce mental health issues, including bipolar disorder.
Omega 3 Foods
So, if omega-3s are so beneficial and may help reduce symptoms of bipolar disorder, where can you find them. There are many variations of omega-3 supplements, but you can also find them in some foods.
Sources of DHA and EPA include:
- Wild salmon
- Sardines
- Herring
- Wild rainbow trout
- Atlantic mackerel
Your body converts another kind of omega-3, ALA, into DHA and EPA. But it takes more energy to do this so you shouldn’t rely on having to make your own DHA and EPA.
Food sources of ALA include:
- Flaxseed oil
- Chia seeds
- English walnuts
- Whole flaxseeds
Some top omega-3 supplements include:
- NutraSea Omega-3 Liquid Gels
- Sea-Licious Omega 3 EPA + DHA (Tangerine lime flavoured liquid)
- Nordic Naturals Omega-3 (Lemon flavoured capsules)
Final Thoughts
Two kinds of bipolar disorder can impact your life. You can help manage your symptoms of bipolar disorder through omega-3 supplements. EPA and DHA strands of omega-3s support your brain and offer anti-inflammatory properties.
After exploring the potential benefits, it's also crucial to remember that individual responses may vary. Consulting with healthcare professionals remains essential for personalized advice on managing bipolar disorder.
FAQs About Omega-3 and Bipolar Disorder
- Are Omega-3 supplements a substitute for standard bipolar disorder treatments?
Omega-3 supplements are not a substitute but can complement standard treatments. Always consult with healthcare professionals for comprehensive management.
- Can I find Omega-3s in foods alone, or should I consider supplements?
While omega-3-rich foods are beneficial, supplements may be necessary to ensure an adequate intake. Consult with healthcare professionals for personalized advice.
- How long does it take for Omega-3 supplements to show effects on bipolar disorder symptoms?
Individual responses vary. It's essential to be patient and consistent with supplement usage while closely monitoring your symptoms.
- Are there any side effects associated with Omega-3 supplements for bipolar disorder?
Generally well-tolerated, but potential side effects exist. Consult with healthcare professionals to discuss any concerns or interactions with existing medications.
- Can Omega-3s eliminate bipolar disorder symptoms?
Omega-3s can contribute to symptom management, but a comprehensive approach, including medications and lifestyle adjustments, is usually necessary for effective control.
Other Resources
For those who are curious, want to expand their knowledge, or just like keeping informed, here are some links to sites that you might like. These online resources come from institutions that hold a sterling reputation for their expertise and stringent standards for relevant information.
Mayo Clinic - Bipolar Disorder Section
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bipolar-disorder
Mayo Clinic is a renowned medical institution, that provides in-depth information on bipolar disorder, its symptoms, and various treatment options.
Government of Canada - Mental Health Information
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/mental-health
The official website of the Government of Canada offers reliable information on mental health, including resources for understanding and managing bipolar disorder.
Psychology Today - Omega-3 and Mental Health
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/nutrition-research/omega-3
Psychology Today, a respected source in psychology and mental health, explores the relationship between omega-3 fatty acids and mental health.
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Omega-3 Insights
The Canadian Mental Health Association provides insights on mental health, including information on omega-3 and its potential benefits for mood stabilization.
Harvard Health Publishing - Omega-3 Fatty Acids and Mental Health
https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/omega-3-fatty-acids-for-mood-disorders-2018080314414
Harvard Health Publishing offers authoritative insights into the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on mood disorders, providing a reputable source for understanding the science behind it.
