Fish oil could help prevent psychotic disorders

Small study shows that a three month fish oil treatment could reduce the rate of mental problems in young people

Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients for a healthy brain. Poor Omega-3 nutrition has been linked to poor brain development and function and also to various mental health conditions. Young people are a high risk category when it comes to brain related problems. A diet rich in omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), either is fish or fish-oil supplements, minimizes the risk of developing psychosis, with minimal side-effects. “Eating more fish is not only likely to be good for your physical health but also for your mental health,” study leader said.

New study shows that a three month fish oil treatment could significantly reduce the rate of mental problems in teenagers. The improvement seems to persist for years. The study began in 2010. Dr. Paul Amminger at the University of Melbourne presently reassessed patients who were then treated with Omega-3 oil. It seems that the protective effects of the oil persisted in the majority of the participants and that the risk of developing psychosis decreased, compared to the placebo trial.

One of the most serious mental health conditions is schizophrenia. Patients experience delusions, visual or auditory hallucinations and often cannot distinguish between their imagination and reality. “Schizophrenia is a major cause of disability, but early treatment has been linked to better outcomes. Our study gives hope that there may be alternatives to anti-psychotic medication,” Dr. Amminger declared for the Guardian.

Dr. Amminger yet agrees that, in order to be conclusive, the study latest findings need to be replicated in larger groups of people, before doctors can begin to recommend Omega-3 capsules as a treatment for psychotic disorders.

Source: http://www.theguardian.com/science/2015/aug/11/fish-oil-could-help-prevent-mental-health-problems-psychosis