Arachidonic Acid-The Omega-6 Fat Connection to Bipolar Mood Disorder
Bottomline: This study adds to the growing body of evidence that arachidonic acid plays a role in bipolar disorder (BPD), and higher levels of this omega-6 fat are associated with increased severity of symptoms. Bipolar Disord. 2007 Nov;9(7):759-65.
Summary: Researchers analyzed blood levels of 10 bipolar patients, recently hospitalized for an acute manic episode. They evaluated omega-3 fats (DHA and EPA), omega-6 fat (arachidonic acid), and related metabolites, and compared these levels to those of 10 healthy volunteers. An increase in the severity of manic symptom was associated with a high ratio of arachidonic acid to EPA, which according to the researchers, could indicate that a brain imbalance of fatty acids, of omega-6 fats greater than omega-6 fats, may be a non-specific contributor to illness in either mood direction.
Summary: Researchers analyzed blood levels of 10 bipolar patients, recently hospitalized for an acute manic episode. They evaluated omega-3 fats (DHA and EPA), omega-6 fat (arachidonic acid), and related metabolites, and compared these levels to those of 10 healthy volunteers. An increase in the severity of manic symptom was associated with a high ratio of arachidonic acid to EPA, which according to the researchers, could indicate that a brain imbalance of fatty acids, of omega-6 fats greater than omega-6 fats, may be a non-specific contributor to illness in either mood direction.
Omega-6 Fat Research News & Commentary: Another Bipolar Omega-6 Fat Connection
Another Bipolar Omega-6 Fat Connection
Bottomline: An antidepressant medication known to trigger mania in bipolar patients is found to increase arachidonic acid metabolism in the brain, which has been linked to mania. Mol Psychiatry. 2008 Nov 4. [Epub ahead of print]
Background: Many antidepressants, particularly tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s), are known to induce episodes of mania or increase cycle frequency or symptom intensity in bipolar patients. Since mania mood stabilizers have been shown to decrease the arachidonic acid cascade, the NIH research team theorized that mania-triggering antidepressants might induce the mood switch via up regulating omega-6 metabolism in the brain.
Background: Many antidepressants, particularly tricyclic antidepressants and serotonin selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRI’s), are known to induce episodes of mania or increase cycle frequency or symptom intensity in bipolar patients. Since mania mood stabilizers have been shown to decrease the arachidonic acid cascade, the NIH research team theorized that mania-triggering antidepressants might induce the mood switch via up regulating omega-6 metabolism in the brain.
and: Omega-6 Fat Research News & Commentary: Bipolar Drug Improves Alzheimer's Disease Symptoms
