This clinical trial article found that omega-3 supplementation has no effect on the symptoms of schizophrenia, such as violent behavior.
No Impact of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on Symptoms or Hostility Among Patients With Schizophrenia
Yi Qiao, Cai Ping Liu, Hui Qin Han, Feng Ju Liu, Yang Shao and Bin Xie
21 April 2020
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.
