- With Mayo Clinic psychiatrist
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
read biographyclose windowBiography of
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
Dr. Daniel Hall-Flavin, board certified in general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry, is a St. Louis native looking to the Internet as a way to help people improve their health and be more active participants in their own health care by learning from Mayo Clinic's experts.
Dr. Hall-Flavin has been a member of the faculties of Cornell University Medical College, New York Medical College, and The George Washington University Medical School before joining the Mayo Clinic staff in 1996. He has special interests in adult psychiatry, addiction psychiatry, and psychogenomics. He has served as medical director of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence from 1986 to 1999.
"With the advent of the genomics and proteomics revolution and the pace of advances in medicine, informed collaborative relationships between knowledgeable, capable health professionals and informed, proactive individuals and their families are more vital than ever," he said.
"I'm optimistic that our Internet health education activities will contribute to ever-improving health outcomes for all who participate and apply what is learned."
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Alternative medicine (1)
- Fish oil supplements: Can they treat depression?
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Question
Fish oil supplements: Can they treat depression?
Is there any benefit to taking fish oil supplements for depression?
Answer
from Daniel K. Hall-Flavin, M.D.
A number of studies suggest that fish oil supplements may be an effective add-on (adjuvant) therapy for depression. In fact, some studies suggest that fish oil supplements may be as effective as prescription antidepressant medication — but the two in combination are more effective than either taken alone. However, more research is needed to confirm these results.
Fish oil is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. Fatty acids have been shown to play an important role in brain function as well as normal growth and development. Some research has suggested that people who have depression have low blood levels of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), a fatty acid found in fish oil.
At this time, it's probably premature to make a strong recommendation for or against fish oil supplements as a treatment for depression. Consult your doctor before starting any new dietary or herbal supplement to treat depression, especially if you take other medications.
Another way to get more omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, is to simply eat more fish. Try salmon, mackerel and tuna. Other dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flaxseed, canola oil, soybeans, pumpkin seeds and walnuts.
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