Current Problems of Psychiatry

REVIEW PAPER

Curr Probl Psychiatry 2016; 17(4): 261-271

DOI: 10.1515/cpp-2016-0025

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Joanna Róg¹, Ewa Stelmach⁴, Bożena Śpila⁵, Jacek Gajewski², Dariusz Juchnowicz⁶,
Aleksandra Korzeniowska⁴, Joanna Tomaka², Hanna Karakuła-Juchnowicz ^2,3

¹ Faculty of Human Nutrition and Consumer Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences

² I Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Early Intervention, Medical University of Lublin

³ Department of Clinical Neuropsychiatry, Medical University in Lublin

⁴ II Department of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lublin

⁵ Psychiatric Outpatient Department of the Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Lublin

⁶ Department of Psychiatric Nursing, Medical University of Lublin

Ω-3 unsaturated fatty acids are compounds belonging to the group of essential fatty acids (EFAs). The history of the discovery of EFAs dates back to the 1930s of the twentieth century, however, growing interest in ω-3 EFAs in the context of mental health has been observed since the year 2000. In view of their multidirectional action, these compounds are a promising form of adjunctive therapy of many illnesses, including psychiatric disorders. The present article aims to review the literature on the clinical applicability of ω-3 EFAs in treating schizophrenia. We present the results of preclinical studies in this area and the mechanisms of ω-3 EFAs action discussed by the authors. The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the possibility of using ω-3 EFAs in schizophrenia are characterized in detail. The results of the tests are not clear, which may result from the methodological diversity of interventions made. Ω-3 EFAs seem to be a promising form of adjunctive therapy of schizophrenia. Further research is needed, which will allow for defining groups of patients in which intervention will bring the expected results.