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Fish oil and OCD

It is now well known that fish oil is proving to be an effective way to treat many types of depression and anxiety but what about OCD? It is thought that OCD is linked to a lack of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is the "feel good" hormone, it is a chemical responsible for regulating behaviour, thought and mood. Depression is also linked to serotonin levels and fish oil containing EPA has demonstrated significant success in treating depression and other mood-related disorders. Interestingly, people suffering from depression, mood and anxiety related disorders like OCD have been found to have low blood levels of EPA or eicosapentaenoic acid, indicating that a fatty acid deficiency could possibly play a significant role in the onset of depression and other related conditions.

Although the brain needs both EPA and DHA for healthy growth and development, researchers have found that the most important of the Omega 3 fatty acids for brain function is EPA. Although it isn't clear exactly why or how EPA works, we know that EPA has anti-inflammatory properties and as well as helping the blood to flow more easily to the brain it appears to help inter-neural networks function more efficiently, increases serotonin levels and has a stabilising effect on mood.

One study by Israeli researchers Nemets et al in 2002 involved 20 patients with severe depression. The results of the double-blind trial showed that the symptoms of those receiving ethyl-epa, a concentrated fish oil containing high levels of EPA, were significantly reduced by as early as week 3 of the trial. More recently in January of 2006, a study by Frangou et al found ethyl-EPA to be an effective intervention in the treatment of bipolar depression.

There is a growing mountain of evidence that EPA improves mental functioning, mood, concentration, and helps us to deal with stress and anxiety. It has been effective in alleviating not only the symptoms of depression and bipolar disorder but a whole host of other conditions including schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, ADHD, PMS, Postpartum depression and many other mood and anxiety related conditions.
OCD is an anxiety disorder where the sufferer constantly battles with unwanted and recurring thoughts (obsessions), which they then try to get rid of by performing rituals (compulsions) which they feel they cannot control. Fish oil offers hope to OCD sufferers as a natural way to gain some relief from the anxiety and other symptoms associated with OCD.

When choosing a fish oil supplement it is important to choose a quality fish oil that is high in EPA in order to get the maximum health benefits from this Omega 3 fatty acid.

Omega 3 fish oils Pure EPA is available exclusively from mind 1st.

Mind1st Information Line: 01772 883950