Omega-3 Fatty Acids Studied in Psychotic Disorders
In a new study, researchers evaluated the role that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have on the progression of psychotic disorders in teens and young adults. Psychotic disorders are severe mental disorders characterized by abnormal thinking and perceptions, typically presenting with delusions and hallucinations. Psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, are estimated to affect over 3 percent of Americans.
In this new study, investigators supplemented subjects with sub-threshold psychosis with omega-3 fatty acids to determine if omega-3s may reduce the progression to psychosis. The subjects consisted of 81 adolescents and young adults aged 13 to 25 years, selected because they were at a very high risk of developing psychosis. These subjects were supplemented with 1.2 grams per day of omega-3 fatty acids for 12 weeks, and were then followed for an additional 40 weeks to determine their progression in the development of psychotic disorders. The subjects were also evaluated for omega-3 and omega-6 levels in red blood cells at the beginning of the study and again after the treatment period.
The results showed that only 4.9 percent of the subjects in the group receiving omega-3 fatty acids progressed to develop psychotic disorders, compared to 27.5 percent in the placebo group. Thus, the data showed that omega-3 fatty acid supplementation decreased the progression to the development of psychotic disorders by 82.3 percent. Additionally, the group receiving omega-3 fatty acids reported fewer symptoms and improved functioning compared to the placebo group.
The researchers concluded, “Long-chain omega-3 PUFAs reduce the risk of progression to psychotic disorder and may offer a safe and efficacious strategy for indicated prevention in young people with sub-threshold psychotic states.”
Reference:
Amminger GP, Schäfer MR, Papageorgiou K, Klier CM, Cotton SM, Harrigan SM, Mackinnon A, McGorry PD, Berger GE. Long-chain omega-3 fatty acids for indicated prevention of psychotic disorders: a randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 2010 Feb;67(2):146-54.
