Are fish oils an effective therapy in mental illness--an analysis of the data.
OBJECTIVE
To review the literature regarding the use of fish oils in the treatment of psychiatric illness.


METHODS
A Medline search was conducted in September 1999.


RESULTS
Five papers have investigated omega-3 fatty acids levels in depression. One study used omega-3 fatty acids as an adjunctive therapy in bipolar disorder. Four studies used fatty acids as an adjunctive therapy in schizophrenia.


CONCLUSIONS
There is a great deal of current research in this field. While omega-3 fatty acids levels may be lowered in depression, there are no data suggesting that omega-3 fatty acids are effective. One paper indicates that omega-3 fatty acids are effective in bipolar disorders. The data on schizophrenia are conflicting. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids have proved effective. Most of the evidence suggests that the main effect is an improvement in negative symptoms. One recent study showed that omega-3 fatty acids had no effect on negative symptoms.
Maidment
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ID
Hellesdon Hospital, Norwich, Norfolk, UK.
D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000178:diet therapy; D003863:Depression / Q000178:diet therapy; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000178:diet therapy*; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000178:diet therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005395:Fish Oils