Omega-3 Fatty Acids & Psychoeducational Psychotherapy for Childhood Bipolar Disorder- Not Otherwise Specified
Abstract
Childhood bipolar disorder- not otherwise specified (BP-NOS) was originally considered to be a milder version of bipolar disorder (BD). Research now indicates that BP-NOS is a highly impairing condition. No pharmacologic treatment guidelines exist for BP-NOS. Available evidence-based pharmacotherapy guidelines are for BP1; efficacious medications are, unfortunately, associated with significant risk for adverse events (Kowatch et al, 2005; 2009). Previous research on diet and nutrition suggests that omega-3 (Ω3) fatty acids have a beneficial effect on mood, which might provide either a primary or adjunctive treatment with a more favorable risk:benefit ratio for children suffering from BP-NOS than currently available pharmacologic interventions. Psychoeducational psychotherapy (PEP) also has shown promise in treating bipolar spectrum disorders in children aged 8-12 (Fristad, 2006; Fristad, Verducci, Walters, \& Young, 2009); its efficacy in treating BP-NOS specifically has not been determined.
The current study compares Ω3, PEP, and their combination to a placebo supplement and active monitoring (AM) in a 12-week trial of 60 children with BP-NOS (15 each with Ω3, Ω3 plus PEP, PEP, and placebo, all with active monitoring). Primary goals are to determine: 1) feasibility of a) recruiting 60 participants in 2 years; b) participant retention over a 12-week trial; and 2) placebo-controlled effect sizes for Ω3, PEP, and combination treatment on manic and depressive symptoms.…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a clinical trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 23 participants or records.
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