Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Children and Adolescents With Bipolar Disorder

Summary

The purpose of this study is to test the hypothesis that flax oil, as an omega-3 fatty acid, will be superior to placebo in the maintenance treatment of bipolar disorder in children and adolescents. Our primary objective was to determine if flax oil is efficacious in the pediatric bipolar population for reducing symptoms of mania and depression. A secondary objective was to examine fatty acid levels as predictors of treatment response and symptom severity. This clinical trial evaluated whether supplementation with flax oil, containing the omega-3 fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid (alpha-LNA), safely reduced symptom severity in youth with bipolar disorder.

Timeline

Start

2001-11

Primary completion

2005-06

Completion

2005-06

Publications

• Background Scheffer RE, Kowatch RA, Carmody T, Rush AJ. Randomized, placebo-controlled trial of mixed amphetamine salts for symptoms of comorbid ADHD in pediatric bipolar disorder after mood stabilization with divalproex sodium. Am J Psychiatry. 2005 Jan;162(1):58-64. doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.162.1.58.
• Background McClellan J, Kowatch R, Findling RL; Work Group on Quality Issues. Practice parameter for the assessment and treatment of children and adolescents with bipolar disorder. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2007 Jan;46(1):107-125. doi: 10.1097/01.chi.0000242240.69678.c4.
• Background Nandagopal JJ, DelBello MP, Kowatch R. Pharmacologic treatment of pediatric bipolar disorder. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2009 Apr;18(2):455-69, x. doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2008.11.004.

Drugs

Indications