Mental Illness - Information for Families

HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

If a family member has been diagnosed with mental illness, it affects the whole family. Suggestions for dealing with your emotions and feelings.

If one of your family members has been diagnosed with mental illness, then you and your family, no doubt, are experiencing a number of concerns, emotions and questions about these disorders. The following information is intended to inform you about mental illness and also to provide you and your family with coping skills which will be helpful to you.

In hearing that one of your family members has a mental illness, you may have already experienced emotions such as shock, sadness, anxiety, confusion, etc. These are not uncommon emotions, given the fact that the diagnosis of mental illness has carried a lot of negative associations in our society. What is important to understand and keep in mind is that the negative stigma associated with the diagnosis of mental illness has drastically changed over the course of the last few years. In the past in our society, most mental illness was classified as a family disorder, and families tended to be blamed by professionals rather than supported. Research and the development of new and effective psychotropic medications and treatment approaches have changed this concept, and professionals no longer place blame upon family members. Mental Illnesses are disorders of the brain (a biological condition), where environmental and sociological factors play a part in the development of the disorder.

In the past few years, we have seen major developments, progress and changes in all areas of psychiatric research which suggest that mental illness can be managed and success in recovery can be achieved. Statistically, recovery from mental illness is a reality. It does appear, however, that each person diagnosed with mental illness has a different rate of recovery, and therefore it is important for you as family members to come to accept varying degrees of recovery for your loved one. It is also important to accept your feelings and seek out help to deal with them. Remember, having feelings as mentioned above is a normal process for all family members.

For you and your other family members, it is also imperative to understand and have support. The diagnosis of mental illness is much like a physical diagnosis such as cancer, MS, etc. Therefore, some of the emotions that you may be experiencing are about loss and grief. There is no question that any major mental illness affects the whole family and changes the way everyone goes about their daily life.

If a family member has been diagnosed with mental illness, it affects the whole family. Suggestions for dealing with your emotions and feelings. To deal with loss and grief issues is not an easy matter. There are, however, two major things to remember about the grieving process. The first is to allow yourself to feel. To do this you may need supportive counseling, good friends, or you may want to consider joining a support group. Some other suggestions are shown below. The second and perhaps most important is to come to accept and let go. As Elizabeth Kubler Ross suggests, one must first go through the stages of loss in order to come to the place of acceptance. These stages revolve around the primary emotions of denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and finally acceptance.

As family members, you will need to access information and be in an environment in which professionals working with your loved one are sensitive to your needs and the grieving process associated with this illness.

The following are some suggestions for families and a few ways to cope and deal with your feelings and concerns. It is important that wherever you send your loved one for help, you get positive support and are not being blamed for your loved one's illness. Remember that you and your loved one do have a right to be informed and to make choices that work for you.

Suggestions for your initial contact with professionals and organizations that can assist with your loved one's illness and your understanding of it:

Seek out a psychiatrist who seems to have an active involvement with the community resources available to families. You can ask questions such as how long has the psychiatrist worked with mental illness, what his/her knowledge is of psychotropic medication, what his/her philosophy is related to mental illness and family dynamics. It is important that the psychiatrist is able to refer you to qualified adjunctive professionals and programs, such as psychologists, social workers or treatment programs. Psychotropic medications can markedly improve symptoms and you can ask questions about the drugs used and their side effects, etc. If you feel comfortable with the primary psychiatrist, it makes the rest of treatment much easier to deal with. So ask questions.
If your psychiatrist has referred you to Community Resources such as Psychologists and/or MFCC's for supportive community or other treatment programs, check them out and ask questions about their philosophy and experience.
Connect with one or more of the associations in your area to gain more understanding and connect with other families experience the same concerns, feelings, etc.

The list below will assist in checking to see if any of these are in your area. If not, you can write or call to find out where the closest meeting might be. These resources have been found to be invaluable to families, providing on-going support and helping to manage the ongoing issues that arise from this illness.

NAMI
200 N. Glebe Road, Suite 1015
Arlington, VA 22203-3754
703-524-7600
or call the NAMI Helpline at
800-950-NAMI (800-950-6264)

National Depressive & Manic-Depressive Association
730 N. Franklin St., Suite 501
Chicago, IL 60610-3526
800-82-NDMDA (800)-826-3632)

National Mental Health Association (NMHA)
National Mental Health Information Center
1021 Prince Street
Alexandria, VA 22314-2971

Suggestions for dealing with your emotions and feelings:

Accept the illness and its difficult consequences. This is easier said than done; however, research suggests that families who deal most successfully with a mentally ill relative are those who can find a way to accept them fully.
Develop realistic expectations for the ill person and yourself. Do not expect to always feel happy and accept your right to have your feelings. Feelings are a normal process. Often families experience guilt and other emotions which they try to repress or pretend do not exist. This can only result in emotions and feelings building up and often other physical or emotional problems arising. Remember, adjusting to mental illness for you and your loved one takes time, patience and a supportive environment. Also, recovery is slow sometimes. So it is best to support your loved one by praising him/her for small achievements. Try not to expect too much or that your mentally ill family member will return to their previous level of functioning too quickly. Some people can return to work or school, etc., quite quickly, and others may not be able to. Comparing your situation with others can be very frustrating, and we suggest that you keep in mind that what works for someone else may not work for you or your loved one. This will help to reduce frustration.
Accept all the help and support you can get.
Develop a positive attitude and even better, keep a sense of humor.
Join a support group (listed above).
Take care of yourself - seek out counseling and support.
Do healthy activities like hobbies, recreation, vacations, etc.
Eat right, exercise, and stay healthy.
Stay optimistic.

Experts on mental illness believe that new research discoveries are bringing deeper understanding of mental illness, which are resulting in even more effective treatments. Suggestions for what families can do to help:

Assist your family member to find effective medical treatment. To find a psychiatrist, you may contact your own medical doctor or check with NAMI (listed above). You may also call or write the American Psychiatric Association.
Seek consultation regarding financial consideration for treatment. You may call your local Social Security office and check with your family member's health insurance. Often quality treatment is not pursued because of financial considerations.
Learn as much as you can about the mental illness with which your family member has been diagnosed.
Recognize warning signs of relapse.
Find ways to handle symptoms. Some suggestions are: Try not to argue with your loved one if they have their hallucinations or delusions (as the person believes it is real); do not make fun of or criticize them; and especially do not act alarmed. The more calm you can be, the better it is.
Be happy with slow progress and allow your loved one to feel O. K. with a little success.
If your family member is out of control or suicidal (harm to self or others), stay calm and call 911. Do not try to handle it alone.

next: When Someone You Love Has A Mental Illness
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~ all articles on depression

APA Reference
Staff, H. (2008, December 23). Mental Illness - Information for Families, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 6 from https://www.healthyplace.com/depression/articles/mental-illness-information-for-families

Last Updated: June 24, 2016

The Twelve Steps of Co-Dependents Anonymous: Step Four

HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves.

Once I decided to abandon my way and my will in favor of God's way and God's will, I needed direction. I had a plan, but I needed definite goals and tasks by which to begin achieving that plan.

I only knew one way: my way, and it only managed to get me stuck. Now I was ready to get unstuck. I was ready to start growing.

The next logical step was to take inventory of my life. What did I have and what did I need to lose? What could I retain from my experience, and what did I need to release?

I did not work Step Four; Step Four worked me.

I sat down and started listing all the traits I was aware of about myself. The traits I was ready to give up; throw away; or change. I bought a blank book, and started listing the negative traits, one to a page.

What was on my list?

(This compilation initially took about four months of intensive journaling and counseling): Attachments, advising, accusations, arguing, bitterness, complaining, criticism, comparisons, conditional love, captiousness, doubting, denial, despair, discontent, exaggerations, fear, hypocrisy, impatience, intolerance, indecisiveness, irritability, guilt (unearned), guilt (inflicting), negativity, over-eating, presumptions, people-pleasing, perfectionism, resentments, regrets, rigidity, scolding, self-pity, stubbornness, self-righteousness, slothfulness, worrying, willfulness, and whining.

I meditated and prayed about each of these traits (and others) and asked God to show me how to overcome them or change them or lose them. I also asked God to continue showing me issues and personality traits that, as yet, I could not see or was not ready to see.

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Someone had given me Serenity: A Companion for Twelve Step Recovery. This book had very specific guidelines for working Step Four. I followed them carefully, under the guidance of my therapist.

Next, I took inventory of the positive legacies I had obtained from my childhood: strong work ethic, strong morals, strong sense of family, sense of humor, creativity, appreciation and respect for authority, faith in God, strong, healthy paternal and maternal role models.

I took inventory of the positive survival mechanisms I had developed: a can-do attitude, self-reliance, teachable, flexible, adaptable, well-organized, good public speaker, teacher, writer, focus, setting and attaining goals, etc.

I took inventory of my unique talents and abilities: friendly, caring, compassionate, relaxed, accepting, approachable, honest, able to express myself, confidence in my creative and artistic abilities.

I took inventory of the positive permissions I granted myself: living one day at a time; focusing on the present; loving my inner child; letting go of past shame; feeling OK about myself; continuing my self-growth and self-actualization; relaxing in my leisure time; letting go and letting God; taking care of myself first; trusting God; being OK with less than perfection; letting others live they way they want; being un-dependent; keeping a light heart.

I also looked at all my relationships and determined how I had contributed to making those relationships work or not work. This included: parents; grandparents; teachers; mentors; friends; and romantic interests. This was especially enlightening, now that I was willing to admit I had both helped and hurt other people by my actions, words, and influence.

The more I discovered about myself, the more I learned about God. The more I learned about God, the more grateful I became to God for showing me that I needed to make the decision to change my will and my life. I became grateful for every situation which had brought me to the point where I was ready to make the change. I became grateful for all the people and circumstances in my life. I began to turn from being bitter to becoming better. I became grateful for my life.

Step Four began the transformation process that God has been working in me ever since.

next: The Twelve Steps of Co-Dependents Anonymous Step Five

APA Reference
Staff, H. (2008, December 23). The Twelve Steps of Co-Dependents Anonymous: Step Four, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 6 from https://www.healthyplace.com/relationships/serendipity/twelve-steps-of-co-dependents-anonymous-step-four

Last Updated: August 7, 2014

How to Have An Orgasm

HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Types of female orgasm and how to have an orgasm. And find out why women fake orgasms.

... for both women and men

Hers: a female orgasm can be frustratingly evasive. While about 85 to 90 percent of women are capable of having an orgasm, according to Beverly Whipple, Ph.D., vice president of the World Association for Sexology, only about one-third have had one during intercourse. That said, it's important to remember that orgasm should never be the goal.

"In goal-oriented sexual interactions, each step leads to the top step, or the big "O" -- orgasm," says Whipple. "Goal-oriented people who don't reach the top step don't feel very good about the process that has occurred. Whereas for people who are pleasure oriented, any activity can be an end in itself; it doesn't have to lead to something else. Sometimes, we're very satisfied holding hands or cuddling. There would be a lot more pleasure in this world if people would just focus on the process."

Whipple also points out that the psychological ramifications of dissatisfying sexual interactions are not often suffered alone; they can cause distress in both partners. "If one person in a relationship is goal-oriented and the other is pleasure-oriented, and neither is aware of their own orientation, they don't communicate that with their partner," she explains. "A lot of relationship problems can develop. In my workshops with couples, I help them be aware of how they view sexual interactions and then communicate this with their partner."

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Types of Orgasm

Clitoral Orgasm

The most common, they result from directly stimulating the clitoris and surrounding tissue. What many people don't realize is that the majority of the clitoris is actually hidden inside the woman's body. Recently, Australian urologist Helen O'Connell, M.M.E.D., studied cadavers and 3-D photography and found that the clitoris is attached to an inner mound of erectile tissue the size of your first thumb joint. That tissue has two legs or crura that extend another 11 centimeters. In addition, two clitoral bulbs -- also composed of erectile tissue -- run down the area just outside the vagina.

O'Connell's findings, published in the Journal of Urology, show that this erectile tissue, plus the surrounding muscle tissue, all contribute to orgasmic muscle spasms. With so much tissue involved in a clitoral orgasm, it's no wonder they're the easiest to have.

Pelvic Floor or Vaginal Orgasms

These occur through stimulating the G-spot, or putting pressure on the cervix (the opening into the uterus) and/or the anterior vaginal wall. Located halfway between the pubic bone and the cervix, the sensitive G-spot -- named after its discoverer, German physician Ernest Grafenberg -- is a mass of spongy tissue that swells when stimulated. Because it's difficult to locate, experts have developed a few guiding techniques:

Lying on her back, the woman tilts her pelvis upward so that her vulva presses flat against her partner's pelvic bone. According to the Bermans, this allows the penis to make contact with the G-spot, simultaneously stimulating the clitoris. Putting pillows beneath her buttocks makes angling her pelvis easier.
Whipple suggests placing two fingers inside the vagina and moving them in a beckoning motion. The fingertips should stroke the frontal vaginal wall, just where the G-spot is located.

The Blended Orgasm

This can be attained through a combination of the first two.

HER BENEFITS

Pain relief: Orgasms help alleviate menstrual cramps. In addition, studies have shown that a woman's pain threshold increases substantially during orgasm.
Enhanced mood: According to University of Virginia researchers, orgasms boost levels of the female sex hormone estrogen, which in turn betters your mood and helps ease premenstrual symptoms. They also release endorphins, the body's natural painkillers and depression fighters.
Increased intimacy: Oxytocin, a hormone that promotes feelings of intimacy, jumps to five times its normal level during climax.
Easier rest: Oxytocin also induces drowsiness. For women, sleepiness comes about 20 to 30 minutes after orgasm. Men, on the other hand, usually drift off after only two to five minutes.
Less stress: Stress in women is highly correlated with arousal difficulties, lack of libido and anorgasmia, the inability to reach orgasm, according to one 1999 study in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Just 20 minutes of intercourse, however, releases the lust-enhancing hormone dopamine, triggering a relaxation response that lasts up to two hours.

HIS BENEFITS

Physiologically speaking, male and female orgasms are surprisingly similar. The related problems men and women experience, however, are distinctly different.

"There are men who can't orgasm, but I think it's less than 1-percent of men," says Jed Kaminetsky, M.D., a professor of urology at New York University and director of the school's male sexual dysfunction clinic. "That's a much less common problem than premature ejaculation."

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that premature ejaculation is even more common than erectile dysfunction, especially among younger men. As with most sex-related problems, it affects both partners -- some studies suggest that nearly 30 percent of couples report premature ejaculation as the most prevalent sexual problem in their relationship. One major obstacle to treating it is simply defining the problem to begin with.

"It depends on the relationship," Kaminetsky explains. "If a woman takes an hour to orgasm and the man can last 40 minutes, that's premature ejaculation for that couple." At the other extreme, one minute is too short an amount of time for most couples. "Not too many women are going to climax within a minute."

Kaminetsky also sees truth in Whipple's assessment of goal-oriented versus pleasure-oriented interactions. "Men are very goal oriented; they see a task and they want to successfully perform that task," he says. "Often that task is to make their partner have an orgasm. If the woman knows that, she feels like a laboratory animal -- it's not a very sexy thing. That's why women fake orgasms, which is a sign of lack of communication in a relationship."

next: Psychology of Sexual Dysfunction

APA Reference
Staff, H. (2008, December 23). How to Have An Orgasm, HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 6 from https://www.healthyplace.com/sex/main/how-to-have-an-orgasm

Last Updated: August 21, 2014

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)

HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Comprehensive information on EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid). Learn about the usage, dosage, side-effects of EPA.

Comprehensive information on EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid). Learn about the usage, dosage, side-effects of EPA.

Overview

Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) is one of several omega-3 fatty acids used by the body. The typical Western diet is relatively deficient in omega-3 fatty acids compared to the diets of our ancestors. Our main dietary sources of EPA are cold water fish such as wild salmon. Fish oil supplements may also raise the concentrations of EPA in the body. Increased intake of EPA has been shown to be beneficial in coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, and inflammatory disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Uses

Autoimmune Diseases
The omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, found in fish oils have been shown to modify the immune response and may be helpful in treating inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Cardiovascular Health
Omega-3 fatty acids have also been shown to improve cardiovascular health and may prevent the accumulation of plaque (cholesterol and fat) on the walls of the arteries. Fish oil supplementation may also reduce high blood pressure in people with diabetes.

Growth and Development
The omega-3 fatty acids in proper balance are essential for normal growth and development. Nutrition experts have issued recommendations for appropriate intake of each type of omega-3 fatty acid in infant formulas and diets. According to these recommendations, intake of EPA for infants on formula diets should be less than 0.1%.

Other Conditions - EPA for Anorexia EPA forattention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA, may also have positive effects on lung and kidney diseases, Type II diabetes, obesity, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, anorexia nervosa, burns, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, and early stages of colorectal cancer.

Dietary Sources of EPA

EPA can be obtained by eating cold water fish such as wild salmon (not farm raised), mackerel, sardines, and herring.

Available Forms

EPA is also available in fish oil supplements. Some commercial products may also contain vitamin E to maintain freshness.

How to Take EPA

Recommendations for adequate intakes put forth by the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) appear below.

Pediatric

EPA is naturally found in breast milk; therefore, infants that are breastfed should receive sufficient amounts of EPA.
ISSFAL recommends that formula for infants contain less than 0.1% EPA.

Adult

The adequate daily intake of EPA for adults should be at least 220 mg/day.
Therapeutic recommendations from diet: 2 to 3 servings of fatty fish per week, which corresponds to 1,250 mg EPA plus DHA per day.
Fish oil supplements: 3,000 to 4,000 mg standardized fish oils per day. This amount corresponds to 2 to 3 servings of fatty fish per week.

Some commercial products may also contain vitamin E to maintain freshness. For supplements, follow the directions on product labels for both dosage information and storage requirements; some products may require refrigeration. Do not use products beyond their expiration date.

Precautions

Supplements containing EPA may not be recommended for infants or small children because they upset the proper balance with DHA, another omega-3 fatty acid needed during early development. This suggests that pregnant women should also be cautious about taking fish oil supplements.

Fish oil capsules may be associated with side effects such as loose stools, abdominal discomfort, and unpleasant belching. In addition, they may prolong bleeding time slightly; therefore, people with bleeding disorders or those taking blood-thinning medications should discuss the use of fish oil capsules with their healthcare providers before taking them. Consumption of fish oil supplements may also increase antioxidant requirements in the body. Taking extra vitamin E along with these supplements may be warranted; again, please consult your healthcare provider.

Possible Interactions

In combination with aspirin, omega-3 fatty acids could be helpful in the treatment of some forms of coronary artery disease. Consult your healthcare provider about whether this combination would be appropriate for you if you have coronary artery disease.

Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce some of the side effects associated with cyclosporine therapy, which is often used to reduce the chances of rejection in transplant recipients. Consult your healthcare provider before adding any new herbs or supplements to your existing medication regimen.

In an animal study, omega-3 fatty acids protected the stomach against ulcers induced by reserpine and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as indomethacin. Consult your healthcare provider before using omega-3 fatty acids if you are currently taking these medications.

EPA has also been shown to boost the effects of a combination of low-dose etretinate and a topical corticosteroid medication used to treat severe, chronic psoriasis. Consult your doctor to determine if this combination therapy may be of benefit for you if you suffer from chronic psoriasis.

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APA Reference
Staff, H. (2008, December 22). Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), HealthyPlace. Retrieved on 2024, October 6 from https://www.healthyplace.com/alternative-mental-health/supplements-vitamins/eicosapentaenoic-acid-epa

Last Updated: July 10, 2016

Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA)

HealthyPlace.com Staff Writer

Comprehensive information on DHA. Low levels of DHA associated with ADHD in children and depression and Alzheimer's Disease in adults. Learn about the usage, dosage, side-effects of DHA.

Comprehensive information on DHA. Low levels of DHA associated with ADHD in children and depression and Alzheimer's Disease in adults. Learn about the usage, dosage, side-effects of DHA.

Overview

Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is an omega-3 fatty acid that is essential for the proper functioning of our brains as adults, and for the development of our nervous system and visual abilities during the first six months of life. Lack of sufficient DHA may be associated with impaired mental and visual functioning as well as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)) in children. Low levels have also been associated with depression and Alzheimer's Disease in adults. Our bodies naturally produce some DHA, but in amounts too small and irregular to ensure proper biochemical functioning. Therefore, preformed DHA must be consumed in the diet through foods such as cold water fatty fish or in supplement form in order to assure an adequate supply.

DHA Uses

DHA for ADHD (Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder)
Research has identified the impact of low DHA levels on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (and possibly other learning, health, and sleep problems) in children. However, studies have not yet been conducted to determine whether supplementation with DHA is useful for the prevention or treatment of these conditions.

DHA for depression
Insufficient DHA may be related to increasing rates of depression in adults. More research is warranted to confirm the possible association between DHA and depression and to investigate whether DHA supplements may be of benefit in depressed patients.

DHA for Heart Disease
DHA supplementation enhanced the DHA status of vegetarians and favorably influenced cholesterol levels. Because people with diabetes often develop heart disease, some diabetics may benefit from omega-3 fatty acid supplementation (including DHA).

DHA for Infant Development
DHA plays a crucial role in the growth and development of the central nervous system as well as visual functioning in infants. Nutrition experts have issued recommendations that pregnant and lactating women should consume 300 mg per day of DHA. Adequate intakes for infants on formula diets should be 0.35% DHA.

DHA for Other Conditions
Some experts believe that omega-3 fatty acids (in the form of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and DHA) may reduce inflammation and promote wound healing in burn victims and may also prove to be valuable in preventing colon cancer or treating it in its early stages. In addition, obese people who follow a weight loss program achieve better control over their blood sugar and cholesterol levels when fatty fish containing EPA and DHA is a staple in the diet.

Dietary Sources of DHA

DHA is found in cold water fatty fish including wild salmon (not farm raised), tuna (bluefin tuna have up to five times more DHA than other types of tuna), mackerel, sardines, shellfish, and herring. Some organ meats such as liver and brain are also a good source of this essential fatty acid, and eggs provide some DHA, but in lower amounts. For infants, breast milk contains significant amounts of DHA, while infant formula often has none (see above for the amount that should be present).

Available Forms

DHA is available as a supplement in two common forms:

Fish oil capsules (which contain both DHA and EPA [eicosapentaenoic acid], another omega-3 fatty acid)
DHA extracted from algae (which contains no EPA)

How to Take DHA

Recommendations for adequate intake put forth by the International Society for the Study of Fatty Acids and Lipids (ISSFAL) appear below.

Pediatric

Infants that are breastfed should receive sufficient amounts of DHA if the mother has an adequate intake of this fatty acid.
ISSFAL recommends that formula for infants contain 0.35% DHA.

Adult

Pregnant and lactating women, per ISSFAL, should consume 300 mg/day of DHA
The adequate daily intake of DHA for other adults should be at least 220 mg/day
Therapeutic recommendations from diet: 2 to 3 servings of fatty fish per week, which corresponds to 1,250 mg EPA and DHA per day
Fish oil supplements: 3,000 to 4,000 mg standardized fish oils per day, which is the equivalent of 2 to 3 servings of fatty fish per week
Algal-derived DHA supplements: 200 mg per day

Some commercial products may also contain vitamin E to maintain freshness. For supplements, follow the directions on product labels for both dosage information and storage requirements; some products require refrigeration. Do not use products beyond their expiration date.

Precautions

Fish oil capsules contain both DHA and EPA. Supplements containing EPA may not be recommended for infants or small children because they upset the balance between DHA and EPA during early development. This suggests that pregnant women should also be cautious about taking fish oil supplements. These effects may be avoided by using DHA supplements derived from algae sources, which do not contain EPA.

Possible Interactions

Aspirin
In combination with aspirin, omega-3 fatty acids could be helpful in the treatment of some forms of coronary artery disease. Consult your healthcare provider about whether this combination would be appropriate for you if you have coronary artery disease.

Cyclosporine
Omega-3 fatty acids may reduce some of the side effects associated with cyclosporine therapy, which is often used to reduce the chances of rejection in transplant recipients. Consult your healthcare provider before adding any new herbs or supplements to your existing medication regimen.

Reserpine and Nonsteroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs