The Use of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Mental Illness

Abstract

Purpose: This article will summarize the current evidence on the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on prevention and treatment of mental illness. Background: Omega-3 fatty acids are involved in many physiologic processes. Since they cannot be made de novo in the body, they are considered essential nutrients. As the Western diet evolved, dietary intake of fatty acids has shifted to increased omega-6 fatty acids and decreased omega-3 fatty acids intake. These changes have been correlated with numerous differences in prevalence and course of mental illnesses. Methods: A MEDLINE search from 1966 to December 2010 was completed to identify studies comparing changes in symptoms, functioning, other outcomes, and/or side effects in patients treated with omega-3 fatty acids for mental illness. The studies were reviewed and reported by specific psychiatric disorder studied. Conclusions: Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in many biologic functions. Epidemiologic data implicate omega-3 fatty acid deficiencies in many mental illnesses. Data are most robust for omega-3 fatty acids' role in affective disorders. However, data are conflicting, negative, or absent for most mental illnesses.

Mechanism of the modulation of BK potassium channel complexes with different auxiliary subunit compositions by the omega-3 fatty acid DHA

“…For instance, DHA is essential for normal development and function of the brain (30). Deficiency of DHA in the nervous system impairs synaptic transmission (31) and DHA supplementation may be protective against neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders (32,33).…”

Nutraceuticals in Psychiatric Disorders: A Systematic Review

“…Based on these findings, omega-3 was also studied as a potential treatment for several psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and personality disorders [12,[19][20][21][22][23][24]. Concerning the effects of nutraceuticals on psychiatric symptoms and/or disorders, data are still limited.…”

Mental Health in Childhood and Adolescence: The Role of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids

“…On the other hand, lower levels of DHA have been associated with neuronal membrane instability and dysfunctional transmission of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine, which might be associated with mood and cognitive disfunction [ 24 , 25 , 26 ]. On the basis of these preclinical findings, several lines of evidence support the importance of n-3 PUFAs in the treatment of psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism spectrum disorders, eating disorders, substance use disorder, and borderline personality disorder [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 , 31 ]. Furthermore, in a trans-diagnostic perspective, recent studies have pointed out that supplementation with n-3 PUFAs provides benefits on the main psychiatric symptom dimensions, particularly in domains of psychotic symptoms, affective symptoms, impulsivity, and harmful behaviours [ 32 , 33 , 34 ].…”