R Underwood (2017) National Elf Service
Web URL: View the full article here
Observational studies have identified conversion rates from UHR to psychosis of:
Much research has been dedicated towards preventing the transition from UHR status to psychotic illness (Yung, Phillips, et al., 2004). Eleven trials have assessed the effectiveness of talking therapies and pharmacological interventions, alone or combined, in UHR groups (van der Gaag et al., 2013). From these trials, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and long-chain Omega-3 fatty acids (PUFAs) emerged as effective first-line treatments.
PUFAs were found to be effective not only during the period of treatment (Amminger et al., 2010), but also up to 7 years later (Amminger et al., 2015). These are exciting findings as conventional antipsychotics carry undesirable side-effects and an increased risk of adverse events (Kane & Correll, 2017). In a newly published study (McGorry et al., 2017), the authors attempted to replicate these impressive findings.
Conclusions
This study shows the enormous value of replication. While it may be costly, time-consuming, and (currently) less attractive to high-ranking journals, it increases the credibility of the published scientific literature (Munafò et al., 2017).
The authors conclude:
This trial has failed to replicate the findings of a previous single-centre study. Other multi-centre trials, ongoing analysis of the data from the present study, and future research will help to ultimately determine whether ω-3 PUFAs have a role in the reduction of risk and early treatment of psychotic disorder.
Strengths and limitations
Primary papers
McGorry Et Al 2017 - Effect Of Omega-3 PUFA In Young People At Ultrahigh Risk For Psychotic Disorders: The NEURAPRO RCT
Kane & Correll 2017 - Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids To Prevent Psychosis - The Importance Of Replication Studies