Effects of Omega-3 EPA/DHA for Soldiers at Risk for Mood Disorders

Stress-related disorders are among the most prevalent and expensive medical consequences of participation in military operations. Omega-3 fatty acids EPA/DHA derived from fish oil are known to benefit both neuronal development in the young, and cognition and mood in various populations. It is possible that soldiers receiving Omega-3 EPA/DHA will exhibit significantly higher cognitive performance, better affect/mood state, and less combat stress symptomatology compared to the placebo after 12 weeks of supplementation. A goal would be to reduce the prevalence of combat stress injuries in military personnel.

Mood Disorders, Depression, Combat Disorders, Stress Disorders, Fatty Acids, Omega-3, Military Personnel, Docosahexaenoic Acids/*therapeutic use, Eicosapentaenoic Acid/*therapeutic use

Specific components include: Zung Depression Scale (ZDS) Zung Anxiety Scale (ZAS) Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS)

This battery will generate index scores in the area of: Memory, Psychomotor Speed, Reaction Time, Cognitive Flexibility, and Complex Attention. It will also include the Alcohol Use Identification Test (AUdIT). Military-specific components include Post-Deployment Health Assessment (PDHA), Neurobehavioral Symptom Inventory (NSI), Combat Exposure Scale (CES), and parts of the Deployment Risk and Resilience Inventory (edited).

Inclusion Criteria: US Army deployed personnel score on a mood questionnaire Exclusion Criteria: currently consume omega-3 fish oil supplements are currently taking antidepressant or other medications for psychiatric purposes pregnant known fish or shellfish allergy