Title:Omega-3 Fatty Acids Supplementation in Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review
Volume: 1
Author(s): Silvio Bellino, Paola Bozzatello, Elena Brignolo, Chiara Brunetti and Filippo Bogetto
Affiliation:
Keywords:
Omega-3 fatty acids, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosaexaenoic acid, schizophrenia, mood disorders, anxiety
disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, impulsivity, efficacy, adverse effects, Psychiatric Disorders, leukotriens, poly-unsatured fatty acids, synaptic membrane, neuronal cell membrane
Abstract: The importance of omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) to improve several medical conditions is well
recognized. More recently, these agents, because of their role of stabilization of neuronal membranes, have been
considered in the treatment of various psychiatric disorders. The aim of this review is to provide a complete account of the
empirical evidences of efficacy and safety for eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosaexaenoic acid (DHA) and other less
used PUFAs in the management of mental illness. There is little evidence to support the use of omega-3 fatty acids in the
treatment of schizophrenia and of conditions characterized by high level of impulsivity and aggression. The most
convincing findings are in favour of the use of PUFAs for mood disorders, especially unipolar and bipolar depression (but
not mania). Concerning ADHD, trials are characterized by considerable heterogeneity in methods and omega-3 fatty acids
supplementation exhibits modest benefits compared with traditional pharmacotherapy. On the basis of available data,
omega-3 PUFAs cannot be unequivocally recommended as a monotherapy or adjunctive-therapy in any mental disorder.
Although these compounds represent a novel and attractive modality of treatment, also considering good tolerability and
safety, further studies are required to confirm omega-3 fatty acids supplementation as an effective intervention in
psychiatric disorders.
