Fish Oil to Prevent Psychotic Disorders?

As reported by the Associated Press, this month the Archives of General Psychiatry has published the results of a study that was designed to find out whether omega-3 fatty acids such as are found in fish oil have any benefit in preventing psychosis from developing, specific in teens and young adults.

The study was small - just 81 participants - but the results were strong enough to make the outcome very encouraging. The patients, aged 13 to 25, were selected on the basis of being at ultra-high risk for developing a psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia, based on early symptoms. After one year, 27.5% of the placebo group had developed full-blown psychosis, but only 4.9% of those taking omega-3 fatty acids had done so.

If these findings stand up in larger studies, will the results turn out to have an application to the psychosis of Bipolar I Disorder? Many doctors routinely recommend fish oil capsules to patients of all ages with bipolar disorder, and I've talked to parents who have said fish oil made a big difference in their bipolar children. There are already some studies that show fish oil is good for depression.

One great thing about all this is that fish oil is good for you in a number of ways. It helps to lower cholesterol and thus reduce the risk of heart disease. As an anti-inflammatory, studies are showing fish oil to be of use in treating arthritis and lupus. Research even suggests that fish oil can help prevent Alzheimer's.

Omega-3s are considered essential fatty acids - meaning your body needs them but can't manufacture them, so obtaining them through your diet or supplements is necessary for good health. So while the jury is still out on the effectiveness of fish oil in improving mental health, it's still a good thing if you make sure you are getting enough omega-3s one way or another. See Omega-3 Fatty Acids - there are links at the bottom that will give you information on how best to get them in your diet and buying supplements.
~Marcia

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