- With Mayo Clinic psychiatrist
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
Dr. Daniel Hall-Flavin, board certified in general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry, is a St. Louis native looking to the Internet as a way to help people improve their health and be more active participants in their own health care by learning from Mayo Clinic's experts.
Dr. Hall-Flavin served on the faculties of Cornell University Medical College, New York Medical College and The George Washington University Medical School before joining the Mayo Clinic staff in 1996. He has special interests in adult psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, pharmacogenetics and personalized medicine. He served as medical director of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence from 1986 to 1999, and is currently involved in translational medicine research involving the introduction of pharmacogenetic technology into the daily practice of community psychiatry.
"With the advent of pharmacogenetics and related fields and the advances in translational medicine, informed collaborative relationships between knowledgeable, capable health professionals and informed, proactive individuals and their families are more vital than ever," he said.
"I'm optimistic that our Internet health education activities will contribute to ever-improving health outcomes for all who participate and apply what is learned."
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Causes (4)
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Alternative medicine (3)
- Fish oil supplements: Can they treat depression?
- Natural remedies for depression: Are they effective?
- Do the benefits of vitamin C include improved mood?
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Question
Fish oil supplements: Can they treat depression?
Is there any benefit to taking fish oil supplements for depression?
Answer
from Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
Fish oil supplements may help ease symptoms of depression in some people. As with prescription antidepressants, fish oil appears most helpful for severe symptoms — but it may not be as effective for mild to moderate depression.
Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which play an important role in brain function. People with depression may have low blood levels of brain chemicals called eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). These chemicals are found in fish oil. The best dose of fish oil isn't clear, but it appears that supplements containing 100 to 300 milligrams of either EPA or a combination of EPA and DHA may be helpful in relieving depression.
Supplements aren't the only way to get more omega-3s. Eating fish a few times a week may be the best way to provide your body with enough of these healthy oils. Fish high in omega-3s include sardines, mackerel, salmon, snapper, trout, and canned white tuna. Shellfish, including mussels and oysters, also contain omega-3s.
Fish oil isn't considered a replacement for treatment of depression, but it may be helpful as an addition to prescribed medications or other treatment. Although more studies are needed to determine exactly what role omega-3 fatty acids play in depression, it's still a good idea to get enough of these healthy oils. Omega-3s help protect heart health and appear to have other health benefits.
Next questionNatural remedies for depression: Are they effective?
- Mozaffarian D. Fish oil and marine omega-3 fatty acids. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed May 27, 2010.
- Freeman M. Omega-3 fatty acids in major depressive disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. 2009;70(suppl):5.
- Appleton KM, et al. Updated systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of n23 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids on depressed mood. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2010;91:757.
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