title: Fish oil as a management component for mood disorders - an evolving signal.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To overview the theoretical relevance of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids in the cause of mood disorders, and focus on evaluating the potential therapeutic role of omega-3 fatty acids.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Numerous studies have documented low omega-3 fatty acid levels in those with depressive disorders, and there are plausible biological explanations as to why reduced omega-3 status may predispose to mood disorders as well as to a range of other conditions. Although early studies evaluating the role of omega-3 preparations as treatments of depression were generally positive, the rate of negative or nondifferential studies has increased in recent years. Recent meta-analyses provide an explanation in suggesting that docosahexaenoic acid-weighted preparations may be ineffective while finding support for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)-weighted preparations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is sufficient indicative data favouring EPA-weighted omega-3 supplementation for those with a depressive mood disorder, particular when fish oil is viewed by patients as 'natural,' it has few side effects and is neuroprotective. Recent meta-analyses inform us that intervention studies should focus on EPA-weighted preparations.
authors.affiliation: Black Dog Institute, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. b.hegarty@unsw.edu.au
authors.forename: Bronwyn
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hegarty
authors.forename: Gordon
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Parker
mesh_terms: D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6 / Q000378:metabolism; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000378:metabolism / Q000628:therapy*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D005395:Fish Oils; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid