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Different Types Of Depression And Omega 3 Fish Oil

By David McEvoy

Republish: EasyPublish™
Published: 04Feb2010
Word count: 611
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There are many different types of depression and anxiety related disorders but as yet, no one knows exactly what causes them or why they develop in some people and not others. Mental health problems are extremely common today and treatment is usually by some form of prescription drug aimed at reducing the symptoms but which doesn't tackle the underlying cause of the problem in the first place and possibly some form of psychotherapy which can help suffers find ways to cope and take back control of their lives.

Interestingly, what is known is that people who suffer from various types of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders and mood swings often have lower than normal levels of Omega 3 fatty acids in their blood. It wouldn't be surprising then that by supplementing with fish oil which is high in Omega 3 we might be able to reduce the symptoms of these mental health problems, and that is exactly what researchers have found.

What studies have revealed

Scientists already know that the brain itself is composed mostly of fats. There are two fatty acids which are responsible for brain health and these are Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (DHA). DHA is required for healthy development of the brain in the first place and after that EPA is necessary for healthy functioning of the brain on a day to day basis. If we don't get enough of these essential fatty acids in our diet then it's no wonder that our brain and how it works might start to suffer.

Now, most researchers believe that getting adequate amounts of DHA is important during pregnancy and in the early years of life and EPA is important thereafter. The main problem with getting enough of these in the diet is that they are only found in fatty fish and we no longer eat much fish due to the industrial toxins they contain.

Studies into EPA and DHA and how they can be beneficial for mental health have involved giving people with depression a supplement of pure fish oil which has been extracted from the fish but which have had the toxins removed.

Countless clinical trials and studies have shown that increased consumption of Omega 3 fatty acids can be beneficial for mental health and the following conditions:

Depression
Postpartum depression
Bipolar disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Schizophrenia
Borderline Personality Disorder
Anxiety disorder
Panic attacks
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)
Premenstrual tension (PMT)

Doctors have noted that giving a daily 1 gram dose of Eicosapentaenoic acid can significantly reduce symptoms over a period of 3 months. However, even if you don't suffer from depression or anxiety and consider yourself to be in great physical and mental health, there are other mental benefits to be gained from a daily dose of EPA.

It Improves memory
It facilitates better concentration
It enables faster information processing
It provides for greater ability to focus on a task
It allows you to deal more effectively with stress
It promotes an overall sense of well being

What does EPA do to the brain?

No one knows the exact mechanisms involved in how EPA can be so beneficial for mental health but there is a great deal of evidence that suggest it helps to improve inter-neural connectivity and the signalling between brain cells. It increases the amount of phospholipids in the brain and helps to maintain membrane fluidity.

It is also known that EPA has powerful anti-inflammatory properties so helps to reduce any inflammation and as it also thins the blood it promotes better blood flow throughout the body and to the brain bringing essential nutrients to where they are needed most.

Depression and anxiety are serious mental health conditions that can strike anyone at anytime. For more information about depression and self help please come and visit our site.

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