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Developing Natural Treatments
Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Bipolar Disorder
This study is designed to test the prophylactic efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids in patients with unstable
bipolar disorder. Participants will initially be optimized on lithium or Depakote and subsequently randomized
to receive either omega-3 fatty acids or placebo, in addition to baseline medications, for up to one-year. Patients
who relapse or have a recurrence of mania, mixed mania, or depression will be taken out of the study and offered
open treatment with omega-3 fatty acids.
Omega-3 fatty acids, a class of polyunsaturated lipids derived primarily from fish oil, inhibit receptor-linked
G-protein signal transduction through reduced hydrolysis of crucial membrane phospholipids, such as
phosphatidylinositol, which serve as precursors to intracellular second- messenger molecules. Mood stabilizers
for bipolar disorder, such as lithium and valproate, appear to inhibit similar signal transduction pathways. Omega-3
fatty acids may represent a new class of membrane-active agents capable of altering signal transduction pathways
and may herald the advent of a new class of rationally designed mood stabilizing drugs.
Participants must meet the following criteria:
- Age 18 or older
- History of Bipolar I Disorder
- Experienced a mood episode within the past 12 months
(mania, hypomania, depression, or mixed)
- No other unstable medical condition
- No substance abuse
- Willing to take (or already be taking) either valproic acid or lithium
- In some circumstances, medication-free patients may be eligible
For more information, call:
(713) 798-MOOD (6663)
or e-mail
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