Neuroprotective effects of ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid in first episode psychosis: A longitudinal T2 relaxometry pilot study

Abstract

We used magnetic resonance imaging to examine the effect of ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid (E-EPA) on hippocampal T2 relaxation time in first episode psychosis patients at baseline and after 12weeks of follow-up. There was an increase in T2 in the placebo group but not in the E-EPA group, suggesting a neuroprotective effect of E-EPA treatment. In addition, the smaller the increase in T2, the greater the improvement in negative symptoms. © 2009 Elsevier Ireland Ltd.