Latest Expert Witness News

Fish oil may reduce schizophrenia

A new study suggests that fish oil could be the key to a safe and effective form of treatment for young people with schizophrenia.

Adolescent Psychiatrist Paul Amminger of the University of Melbourne, Australia says low doses of anti-psychotic drugs are sometimes prescribed, but these are controversial due to side effects.

Leading Professor Amminger to conduct a Vienna-based study which has been published in the Archives of General Psychiatry. It looked at whether regular doses of fish oil could stave off schizophrenia in people with a high risk of developing the disorder.

This treatment is based on the fact that people with schizophrenia have lower levels of omega-3 or polyunsaturated fatty acids. Highlighted by evidence that in countries such as Norway, Iceland and Japan, the prevalence for instance for bipolar disorder is significantly lower.

Seventy-six people completed the study and of the group, 41 were given fish oil tablets four times a day for three months. The rest were given a placebo.

Of the group that took the fish oil capsules, only two had developed a psychotic disorder after a year, while of the placebo group, 11 went on to develop some kind of psychosis.

Professor Amminger says while there have been previous studies examining the links between fatty acids and mental health, this study showed the most conclusive results.

back