Omega-3 polyunsaturated essential fatty acid status as a predictor of future suicide risk.
OBJECTIVE
Low levels of docosahexaenoic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and elevated ratios of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids are associated with major depression and, possibly, suicidal behavior. Predicting risk of future suicidal behaviors by essential fatty acid status merits examination.


METHODS
Plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in phospholipids were measured in 33 medication-free depressed subjects monitored for suicide attempt over a 2-year period. Survival analysis examined the association of plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid status and pathological outcome.


RESULTS
Seven subjects attempted suicide on follow-up. A lower docosahexaenoic acid percentage of total plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids and a higher omega-6/omega-3 ratio predicted suicide attempt.


CONCLUSIONS
A low docosahexaenoic acid percentage and low omega-3 proportions of lipid profile predicted risk of suicidal behavior among depressed patients over the 2-year period. If confirmed, this finding would have implications for the neurobiology of suicide and reduction of suicide risk.
Sublette
M Elizabeth
ME
Department of Neuroscience, NY State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University, Unit 42, 1051 Riverside Dr., New York, NY 10032, USA.
Hibbeln
Joseph R
JR
Galfalvy
Hanga
H
Oquendo
Maria A
MA
Mann
J John
JJ
D000328:Adult; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000097:blood* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000097:blood; D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential / Q000097:blood*; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000097:blood*; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6 / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010743:Phospholipids / Q000097:blood; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011336:Probability; D011379:Prognosis; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D013406:Suicide, Attempted / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016019:Survival Analysis
D005228:Fatty Acids, Essential; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D043371:Fatty Acids, Omega-6; D010743:Phospholipids; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids