Schizophrenia, like many other illnesses, has a link between early intervention and better outcomes. A recent Austria-based study suggests that fish oil may reduce a person's risk of developing a psychotic disorder.
During the study, individuals at "extremely high risk of developing psychosis" took either a placebo or fish oil capsules containing 1.2 grams of omega-three polyunsaturated fatty acids" for 12 weeks.
By the end of the year-long study, two people in the fish oil group and eleven people in the placebo group developed a psychotic disorder.
Other studies have also suggested a link between omega-3 fatty acids and mental health.
A Massachusetts study found that while studies on the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids yielded mixed results, "augmentation with omega-3 fatty acids should be considered, as general health benefits are well established and adjunctive use is low risk." In other words, a person with a mental illness will receive physical health benefits and have a low risk of negative effects from taking omega-3 fatty acids.
A British study notes that while omega-3 fatty acids might prevent an early stage psychotic episode from becoming a first full-blown psychotic episode, results in more chronic cases have been mixed.
An Italian study reported "The relationship between fatty acid status and mental disorders is confirmed by reduced levels of n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in erythrocyte membranes of patients with central nervous system disorders." In other words, a person with a brain disorder often has a lower level of omega-3 fatty acids in the membranes of their red blood cells.
It is important for those already on psychiatric medications to continue taking their medications, as well as discuss any supplement use with their doctor.
Indiana is home to pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly, which created the psychiatric medications Prozac, Cymbalta and Zyprexa.
However, according to a 2009 report by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), "the psychiatric medication review system used in Indiana's Medicaid program limits access to medication for certain individuals." According to the report, a committee defines what doses will be covered and automatically refuses to cover anything that differs from that standard. There is a appeals process that NAMI describes as "cumbersome and rarely used."
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