Recent studies have shown that Fish oil capsules may prevent young people who are at very high risk of developing schizophrenia to develop full-blown psychosis and may also prevent the manifestation of psychiatric disorders that commonly afflict such young adults, Los Angeles Times reports.
A clinical trial held seven years ago has revealed that a 12 week course of fish oil capsules may reduce the likelihood of youth developing psychosis.
The trial included 81 participants between the ages of 13 and 25 suffering from symptoms of psychosis. However, even though it was proven that Fish oil capsules lower the risk of mental illness for many, the treatment is still under examination.
The study was published this week in Nature Communications adding weight to fish oil's reputation as potentially powerful psychiatric therapy.
Omega-3 fatty acids, available in fish oil capsules, have been shown to boost the effectiveness of antidepressants and prevent ADHD.
"Fish oil supplements have been investigated as a treatment for adults with schizophrenia, but so far results have been mixed- four trials found no benefit while another four found a small reduction in symptoms," said Claire Wilson, writer for the Daily News, as reported by Clapway.
Recent tests have shown that the blood cells of schizophrenics contains smaller amount of fatty-acids than those of the average person.
"These fatty acids may normally help dampen inflammation in the brain and protect neurons from damage, and lower levels in the brain have been implicated in several mental illnesses," said Wilson.
Early treatment with antipsychotic medications might help prevent psychotic disorder but the treatment tends to have serious side effects such as weight gain, metabolic disturbances and sexual dysfunction.
