Omega-3 fatty acid monotherapy for pediatric bipolar disorder: a prospective open-label trial.
BACKGROUND
To test the effectiveness and safety of omega-3 fatty acids (Omegabrite(R) brand) in the treatment of pediatric bipolar disorder (BPD).


METHODS
Subjects (N=20) were outpatients of both sexes, 6 to 17 years of age, with a DSM-IV diagnosis of BPD and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) score of >15 treated over an 8-week period in open-label trial with omega-3 fatty acids 1290 mg-4300 mg combined EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid).


RESULTS
Subjects experienced a statistically significant but modest 8.9+/-2.9 point reduction in the YMRS scores (baseline YMRS=28.9+/-10.1; endpoint YMRS=19.1+/-2.6, p<0.001). Adverse events were few and mild. Red blood cell membrane levels of EPA and DHA increased in treated subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
As only 35% of these subjects had a response by the usual accepted criteria of >50% decrease on the YMRS, omega-3 fatty acids treatment was associated with a very modest improvement in manic symptoms in children with BPD.
Wozniak
Janet
J
Pediatric Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02138, USA. jwozniak@partners.org
Biederman
Joseph
J
Mick
Eric
E
Waxmonsky
James
J
Hantsoo
Liisa
L
Best
Catherine
C
Cluette-Brown
Joanne E
JE
Laposata
Michael
M
D000293:Adolescent; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D002648:Child; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3