title: Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in patients with recurrent self-harm. Single-centre double-blind randomised controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Trials have demonstrated benefits of long-chain omega-3 essential fatty acid (n-3 EFA) supplementation in a variety of psychiatric disorders.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the efficacy of n-3 EFAs in improving psychological well-being in patients with recurrent self-harm.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients (n=49) presenting after an act of repeated self-harm were randomised to receive 1.2 g eicosapentaenoic acid plus 0.9 g decosahexaenoic acid (n=22) or placebo (n=27) for 12 weeks in addition to standard psychiatric care. Six psychological domains were measured at baseline and end point.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At 12 weeks, the n-3 EFA group had significantly greater improvements in scores for depression, suicidality and daily stresses. Scores for impulsivity, aggression and hostility did not differ.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Supplementation achieved substantial reductions in surrogate markers of suicidal behaviour and improvements in well-being. Larger studies are warranted to determine if insufficient dietary intake of n-3 EFAs is a reversible risk factor for self-harm.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Beaumont Hospital and The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Ireland.
authors.forename: Brian
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Hallahan
authors.forename: Joseph R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Hibbeln
authors.forename: John M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Davis
authors.forename: Malcolm R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Garland
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012008:Recurrence; D012307:Risk Factors; D016728:Self-Injurious Behavior / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid