Omega-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (?-3 LC-PUFAs) are thought to
be important for normal dopaminergic, glutamatergic and serotonergic
neurotransmission. Depression is less prevalent in societies with high fish
consumption, and depressed patients have significantly lower red blood cell
?-3 levels. Studies with ?-3 supplementation have led to controversial
results. A significantly longer remission of bipolar symptomatology has been
confirmed from a high-dose DHA and EPA mixture. Greater seafood consumption
per capita has been connected with a lower prevalence of bipolar spectrum
disorders. Reduced levels of ?-6 and ?-3 PUFAs were found in patients with
schizophrenia.
Omega 3 fatty acids in psychiatry