It may take several different approaches to ease depression: medication, exercise, psychotherapy, stress reduction...and even nutritional support. Some studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids found in salmon and other cold-water fish may help ease the symptoms of some types of depression. Some researchers even think a LACK of omega-3 in your diet could predispose you to psychological disorders such as depression. For those with depression, an omega-3 supplement in combination with any prescription medication MAY help boost the mood. For example, eicosapentaenoic acid, or EPA, a type of omega-3, may reduce symptoms of moderate depression, especially among those who don't respond to an initial antidepressant treatment. The benefits of omega-3s to patients with bipolar depression are less clear, however. Just a few small studies have noted that omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce the mood swings of bipolar disorder. If omega-3s ARE effective against depression it may be because they make it easier for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that boosts mood, to do its job more efficiently. And a lack of available serotonin is known to trigger depression. Hence, many antidepressant medications are known as serotonin re-uptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. If you are thinking about supplementing your depression treatment with omega-3, keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration is still considering its use and how much of it you may need to take to see benefits. For more information on managing and treating depression, check out other videos in this series.