No Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Symptoms or Hostility Among Patients With Schizophrenia

Abstract

Objective: This study was aimed to explore the impact of fish oil (Omega-3 fatty acids) on hostility and psychopathology among patients with acute violent schizophrenia. Method: Sixty seven acute hospitalized patients demonstrating violent behavior in the context of a schizophrenic illness, treated with antipsychotics, were randomly assigned to a supplement with either fish oil (N=32) or placebo (N=35) in a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Assessments were conducted at the baseline, week 4 and week 8. Results: The symptoms and hostility decreased after treatment for 4 and 8 weeks in both groups, with no group differences. Conclusions: The current study did not find improvements in symptoms or hostility from the Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in patients with schizophrenia. The implication is that Omega-3 fatty acids do not reduce psychopathology and hostility in acute patients with schizophrenia.