Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Bipolar Disorder

Speaking from Experience

By
Marcia Purse
Marcia Purse is a mental health writer and bipolar disorder advocate who brings strong research skills and personal experiences to her writing.
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Marcia Purse
Medically reviewed by
Medically reviewed by Steven Gans, MD on August 05, 2016

Steven Gans, MD is board-certified in psychiatry and is an active supervisor, teacher, and mentor at Massachusetts General Hospital.

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Steven Gans, MD
Updated on July 14, 2019
Cod liver oil capsules
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Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oils and flaxseed oil supplements have been recommended as for people with bipolar disorder. Studies have shown that increased intake of Omega-3 in fish oil is linked to greater volume in areas of the brain, which is associated with mood elevation and regulation and a reduction in depression. Doctors may recommend supplements to people with bipolar disorder, including flaxseed oil and Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oils.

These are posts written by members about their personal experiences with using the nutritional supplement Omega-3 in the treatment of their manic-depressive illness.

Please be aware that material contains the personal experiences and opinions of consumers and in no way should be construed as medical advice.

Material may have been edited for spelling, grammar or clarity.

Poor Experience With Omega-3

    • I have been taking omega-3 fish oils at 6 grams/day for approximately two months. I have not yet noticed any effects positive or negative. I'm considering increasing to 10 grams/day as my psychiatrist informs me that seems to be the more beneficial range if I can tolerate the gastric side effects. —Nan

Positive Experience With Omega-3

    • I have been using fish oil and melatonin for several months and the fish oil really works. —Kathy
    • My loved-one was taking fish oils and it seemed to work for him. I haven't bought any for about a month and I have seen my loved-one go down hill. I think I'll buy some more. It really seemed to help. —Pattie-40
    • I have started taking Omega-3 fish oils to help me with my bipolar disorder. I am currently taking a total of 9000 mg per day broken up into three doses. —Phil
    • I wanted to try something different since I was having no luck with the different meds I was taking. I've been taking 6000 mg of fish oil (three pills am and pm). As far as I can tell, the fish oil (after about two months) seems to control my hypomania pretty well. It seems to have the same effect as the Tegretol I was taking—it flattens out my highs. I still have a lot of problem with depression though.
      • Another added benefit of the fish oil is cost ... I think you can't beat the price. I also seem to have no adverse side effects with the fish oil. —Sherry

Taste of Omega-3 Capsules

    • I am also taking fish oil, but I think I'll try flaxseed oil. My doctor said either one is good, but I seem to taste a fishy taste sometimes. —Marcie
    • It might be a good idea to have some sugar-free peppermints on hand; otherwise, your boyfriend may say your breath is like a rainbow trout on a crisp spring morning. — Scooby
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Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial policy to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  • Conklin SM, Gianaros PJ, Brown SM, et al. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acid intake is associated positively with corticolimbic gray matter volume in healthy adults. Neurosci Lett. 2007;421(3):209-12.

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