Posted by TylerJ on April 11, 2006, at 17:37:29
In reply to Re: Parnate is often augmented with Lithium » TylerJ, posted by linkadge on April 11, 2006, at 16:04:08
> A few years back, a guy working at Harvard (Dr. Andrew Stoll) wrote a book called the Omega-3 connection.
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> He basically explained how the omega-3 fatty acids, (which are scarcely consumed in the American diet) share some of the biochemical actions as commonly used mood stablizers lithium and valproate.
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> The omega-3's also seem to posess considerable antidepressant properties. A lot of the babblers on the alternitive board use omega-3's.
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> The use of omega-3 (contained in fish oil) is fairly mainstream now. Its not really a "snake oil" type of treatment. (Larry believes in omega-3, and he is one smart guy)
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> http://biopsychiatry.com/omega3dep.htm
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> The fatty acids seem to work in several ways. First they modulate the activity of PKC, an enzyme that is also modulated by the mood stablizers. In addition, the omega-3 supplementation increases brain serotonin, and dopamine content, notably in the frontal cortex, and lower brainstem. These fatty acids also are important in the functionality of the serotonin and dopaminergic neurons. (Ie, they seem to plump up the receptors and make them more sensitive and receptive to serotonin and dopamine.)
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> Thirdly, omega-3 supplementation seems to inrease the levels of endogenious cannabanoids, painkilling feelgood substances that are affected by marajuanna and exercise.
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> It can take a few weeks of suplementation before the brain can incorperate the fatty acids.
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> Countries with the highest consumption of fish also seem to have lower rates of depression and suicide.
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> You can ask questions on the alternitive board, since many people are well acustomed to its use.
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> Linkadge
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> You covered it well...thanks so much!Tyler
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poster:TylerJ
thread:630791
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20060408/msgs/631872.html