By Brendan McLean
NAMI Communications Assistant
Providing treatment and support in the prodromal phases of schizophrenia has
been effective in producing more positive results for individuals living with
schizophrenia. In attempts to delay and even prevent the onset of schizophrenia,
attention has been given to individuals meeting criteria considered to have a
high-risk for developing psychosis.
Neuroanatomical changes, which have been observed in individuals identified
as high risk, point to the possibility of intervention before a psychotic
disorder becomes manifested. By addressing individuals before the full
expression of schizophrenia, optimistic outcomes are even more readily
achievable.
Antipsychotic medication has been used as a method of prevention and has
proved effective. However, utilizing antipsychotics remains controversial
because between 70 and 80 percent who are considered high-risk do not develop a
psychotic disorder within a year. Because antipsychotics have been shown to have
a variety of adverse side effects, many believe they should not be administered
unless necessary (i.e., after a psychotic disorder has been diagnosed).
Consequently, researchers have searched for a method that would not expose
individuals to the side-effects of antipsychotics if possible. In a recent
study, researchers found that long-chain ?-3 (omega 3) polyunsaturated fatty
acids (PUFAs) could be administering as a preventive measure to reduce
the risk of a psychotic disorder from emerging. While 27.5 percent of
individuals given a placebo experienced further development of their psychosis
only 4.9 percent of participants who were given Omega-3 supplements saw their
condition worsen.
Omega-3 fatty acids are what are known as essential fatty acids, or EFAs.
EFAs are recognized as fundamental to normal
brain functioning. They are thought to aid brain functioning in three
possible ways: the assimilation of EFAs into brain cell membranes, EFA-induced
alteration of neurotransmission and EFA caused reduction of oxidative stress. In
separate studies, low levels of all three of these have been implicated in cases
of schizophrenia.
Previous research has already shown that using Omega-3 PUFAs is efficacious
as an add-on
to treatment in reducing both the positive and negative symptoms of
schizophrenia, as well as lowering levels of dyskinesia, a movement disorder
that is sometimes a side-effect of antipsychotics.
Ethyl-eicosaptaenoic acid (E-EPA) is one of the fatty acids found in Omega-3
that has been looked at more closely. Findings show that E-EPA might provide an
increase in the antioxidant glutathione, which correlates with a reduction of oxidative
stress in the hippocampus and lessened negative symptoms. Treatment seems to
prevent further psychotic development by preventing further hippocampal damage.
This once again points to the importance of early treatment and preemptive
intervention if possible.
Apart from some people experiencing occasional nausea, Omega-3 supplements
are free of adverse effects. Therefore, the low risk, as well as low cost, make
them an attractive option as a complement to treatment of chronic schizophrenia
and an option to either delay or possibly prevent the further development of
psychosis.
What appears to be most significant is that even if intervention is only a
temporary measure, the benefits last long after treatment has stopped. Although
the effects of Omega-3 were substantial, the sample size was small and further
studies need to be conducted.
Although the underlying mechanisms of how Omega-3 works are not fully
understood, their well-tolerability and benefits to not only schizophrenia but
other mental illnesses and cardiovascular health as well, mean those who are at
a high-risk for psychotic disorder or heart health should contact their doctor
for more information about Omega-3.