Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids in Adult Psychiatric Disorders: A Comprehensive Overview

Abstract

Essential fatty acids are critical for normal development and function of the brain and central nervous system (CNS). Long-chain poly-unsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). such as omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (03-3), are crucial to membrane synthesis, structure and fluidity, proper gene expression, and neuronal development. In examining the connection between inflammatory states, physical health, and mental health, it has become apparent that there is an intimate link between chronic inflammation and psychiatric disorders. Because of the moderate benefits found with ω-3 supplementation in other pro-inflammatory states, ω-3 supplementation has since been investigated as a possible alternative or complimentary therapy in psychiatric disorders. We present an overview of the biochemistry and physiology of PUFA followed by a review of the existing clinical literature on the efficacy of ω-3 supplementation in major mental illnesses. The literature on PUFA in mental illnesses is highly heterogeneous and wide-ranging, encompassing many different experimental designs and methods. We have focused on the randomized clinical trials designed to demonstrate efficacy of ω-3 supplementation in recognized psychiatric disorders. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2015 APA, all rights reserved)