Neurotransmitters & Fish Oil & Psychosis

Psychosis is defined by the "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders" as a condition consisting of delusions and hallucinations, as well as "thinking that may be disconnected and illogical." Additionally, odd behaviors and a tendency to withdraw from society can indicate a psychotic state. Though psychosis is most often associated with schizophrenia, the condition correlates with depression and some personality disorders or is a reaction to trauma or other external factors. Given the serious nature of psychosis, scientists are interested in the chemicals in the brain that impact the condition as well as natural substances that may play a role.

Neurotransmitters and Psychosis

Though many neurotransmitters are involved in mood regulation, dopamine seems to correlate most with psychosis. The dopamine hypothesis comes from research on schizophrenia and Parkinson's disease. One of the side effects of antipsychotic medications is Parkinson's-type tremors. Parkinson's disease is caused by low levels of dopamine in certain areas of the brain. Since the medications used to treat schizophrenia work to decrease excessive levels of the neurotransmitter, researchers began to wonder about dopamine levels in the brains of schizophrenia. Additional information regarding this theory came from observing individuals using amphetamine. Amphetamine-induced psychosis closely resembles paranoid schizophrenia. When under the influence of amphetamine, the brain is flooded with dopamine and norepinephrine. Using these facts as a starting point, scientists eventually figured out that patients with schizophrenia have excessive dopamine receptors in specific brain regions.

The Role of Fish Oil in Mental Health

The nutrients found in fish oil that make it interesting to researchers are called omega-3 fatty acids. These acids have been studied in a variety of ways, but more recently their role of emotional control has been investigated. In 2007, researchers in France looked at omega-3 fatty acids, including alpha linoleic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in terms of women's health. These particular acids are found only in seafood and "omega-3" eggs. The scientists conducted a meta-analysis, which means they reviewed medical literature and other studies to test their hypotheses. Their results were published in the journal of "Biomedical Pharmacotherapy" and revealed that these fatty acids results in decreased of postpartum depression, manic-depressive psychosis and dementia in women.

Fish Oil and Psychosis

In 2006, a study in the journal of "Nutrition and Health" described hypotheses related to modern society's "dietary mismatch" between what is consumed and what the brain actually needs to remain healthy emotionally and cognitively. Reviewing research on nutrition, disease process and medical literature, scientists found omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in fish oil, are related to the health of specific brain regions responsible for memory, delusional thinking and affect. The results of this meta-analysis led the scientists to state that they believe a diet rich in fatty acids can successfully ward of psychosis and neurodegenerative diseases.

Putting it All Together

Psychosis remains a complex condition that involves neurotransmitters, genetics and environment. At the time of this publication, FDA-approved antipsychotic medications that work on neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin are the standard treatment for psychotic disorders. However, as research into the role of fatty acids in the etiology of psychosis continues to grow, there may be indications for treatment in the future.