A number of studies have suggested that mental illness is associated with a low intake of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). This has prompted researchers to test the benefits of taking omega-3s for various psychiatric disorders.

A newly released study in the Archives of General Psychiatry (Feb, 2010) found that fish oil might work as a preventative for teens that are at risk of developing a full-blown psychotic disorder, such as schizophrenia.¹

The researchers randomly assigned 81 at-risk individuals, ranging from 13 to 25 years old, to take 1.2 grams a day of omega-3s in fish oil capsules or a placebo for 12 weeks, and then followed them for another 40 weeks.

(Statistically, about a third of people at high risk for psychotic disorders will go on to develop full-fledged mental illness in a given year.)

A year after entering the study, 11 of the 40 teens (28%) treated only with placebo pills developed a psychotic disorder. Only two of 41 teens (5%) who began the year with 12 weeks of fish oil capsules rich in omega-3 fatty acids developed a psychotic disorder.

The people taking fish oil also showed significant reductions in their psychotic symptoms and improvement in daily activity. In fact, the effect of fish oil capsules was similar to that seen in two trials of antipsychotic drugs in at-risk individuals, without the side effects.

In an on-line interview, researcher Dr. G. Paul Amminger of The University of Melbourne in Australia told Reuters Health there are a number of mechanisms through which omega-3s could protect the brain:

1. Omega-3s are a major component of brain cells.
2. They are also key to the proper function of two brain chemical signaling systems, dopamine and serotonin, which have been implicated in schizophrenia.
3. Fish oil also boosts levels of glutathione, an antioxidant that protects the brain against oxidative stress.²

The researchers concluded that omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of progression to psychotic disorder and may offer a safe and efficacious strategy for prevention in young people on the brink of developing psychosis. The research team is now planning a multicenter trial of fish oil for the prevention of psychotic illness in 320 at-risk people.

A study published last year found a direct correlation between the supplementation of omega 3 fatty acids and a decrease in anger and anxiety among substance abusers who had psychiatric problems.

A three-month double-blind study assigned 22 substance abusers to take a daily dose of either 3 grams of omega-3s or soybean oil. Anger and anxiety scales were administered at baseline and once a month thereafter. Blood samples were collected at baseline and at the end of the trial.

The patients who took the omega-3s had a significant decrease in anger and anxiety scores compared to those who took the placebo.³ 

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