Effects of Omega-3 in the treatment of violent schizophrenia patients.

Qiao Y, Mei Y, Han H, Liu F, Yang XM, Shao Y, Xie B, Long B. (2017) Schizophr Res. Aug 19. pii: S0920-9964(17)30501-7. doi: 10.1016/j.schres.2017.08.026. [Epub ahead of print]

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Abstract:

OBJECTIVE:

This study was designed to explore the relationship in between the daily consumption of fish oil (360mg DHA+540mg EPA), and reduction of symptoms and violent behavior among patients with schizophrenia.

METHOD:

Fifty inpatients meeting ICD-10 criteria for schizophrenia and scoring more than four of Modified Overt Aggression Scale (MOAS) with antipsychotics treatment were randomly assigned to receive either fish oil (N=28) or a placebo (N=22) in a twelve week, double-blind supplementation trial. Assessments were performed at baseline and at weeks 4, 8 and 12.

RESULTS:

The PANSS and CGI scores decreased at the week of 4, 8 and 12, but no differences were found between the two groups. MOAS scores declined significantly at weeks 4, 8 and 12. At week 12, MOAS scores of the fish oil group declined significantly than the placebo group (t=-2.40, P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Violent schizophrenia patients treated with fish oil (360mg DHA+540mg EPA) demonstrated a decrease in violence, but improvement in positive and negative symptoms was no greater than patients treated with the placebo after twelve weeks.

FAB RESEARCH COMMENT:

This study adds to the existing evidence from randomised controlled trials (involving a range of different populations and measures) that an increased intake of omega-3 can help to reduce aggression, violence or other forms of antisocial behaviour.

For a systematic review of earlier studies, see: