Could Omega-3 be a treatment for psychiatric disorders?

Omega 3 fatty acids are healthful for many reasons and address a number of illnesses. Could Omega 3s also hold a secret for combatting psychiatric disorders? Considering the substantial side effects that most drugs have, a natural alternative would be an inexpensive and safe alternative. Dangers associated with drug combining and overdose would be lessened with a natural supplement.

Researchers at Zucker Hillside Hospital’s Recognition and Prevention (RAP) Program working with at-risk teenagers for the past ten years are now studying the effectiveness of Omega 3 fatty acids, simple fish oil, for treating psychiatric symptoms. The study is funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. The double blind trial was designed to test whether Omega-3 fatty acids improve clinical symptoms, and help adolescents and young adults who are at an elevated risk for severe psychiatric disorders

“Of the 300 adolescents who have participated in the RAP Program, most have shown substantial improvement,” noted Barbara Cornblatt, PhD, director of the Recognition and Prevention (RAP) Program and investigator at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research. “If this study continues to show success, Omega 3 could offer a natural alternative to the range of medications and therapies now offered to RAP participants. Ultimately, the goal of the RAP Program is to intervene and prevent illness before symptoms get worse.”

It is well known that Omega-3s are critical for normal brain function and they are increasingly studied for their contributions to health in other ways including treatments for medical and psychiatric disorders. The RAP will continue its study with participants monitored on a monthly basis.

Source: ScienceDaily, North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System