Fish Oil & Psychosis

Psychosis refers to an abnormal mental condition in which a person confounds their own internal feelings, thoughts and perceptions with external reality; they are unable to distinguish between what is real and what is a product of their own mind. Though psychosis is most commonly associated with schizophrenia, it also occurs during acute episodes of severe bipolar disorder and depression, as well as under other conditions. Growing evidence suggests that fish oil might reduce the risk or severity of psychotic symptoms or might delay the onset of symptoms.

Schizophrenia and Psychosis

The occurrence of psychotic episodes stands as one of the cardinal symptoms of schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a chronic, incurable illness that afflicts 1 percent of the world population. In addition to hearing, seeing or perceiving things that aren't real, schizophrenics have other symptoms, including difficulties dealing with social situations and abnormal emotional functioning. As with most mental disorders, symptoms wax and wane in severity. Thanks to the effectiveness of antipsychotic medications, much of the time many schizophrenics are able to carry on their day-to-day activities in relatively normal ways. Severe psychotic episodes in which they have a significant break with reality typically have relatively discrete beginning and end points, though certain bizarre or delusional beliefs and perceptions tend to persist beyond the acute psychotic episodes.

Schizophrenic Psychotic Breaks and Fatty Acids

Recent research, such as that described in a 2003 review of studies published in "CNS Drugs" and at Schizophrenia.com, suggests that people with schizophrenia have deficits in the proper metabolism of long chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in their brain. These fatty acids are used in the maintenance of neural brain cells, and seminal evidence suggests that the EPA fatty acids in fish oil can minimize, prevent or delay psychotic symptoms. Persons at high risk of developing psychotic symptoms or who suffer milder symptoms might benefit by taking fish oil, along with their antipsychotic medication, suggests a 2010 study published in the "Archives of General Psychiatry." Schizophrenia.com advises taking 2 to 4 g of fish oil that is rich in EPA, one of the two major types of fatty acids in fish oil. DHA, the other type of fatty acid in fish oil, does not appear to moderate psychotic symptoms.

Depression and Bipolar Disorder

People with severe depression or bipolar disorder can also develop psychotic symptoms. Interventions that lessen the severity of the depression or the manic symptoms decrease the likelihood of a psychotic break. Studies have yielded mixed results, according to the University of Maryland, but several indicate that fish oil might help improve the symptoms of both depression and bipolar disorder.

Limits

Schizophrenia, depression and bipolar disorder are serious conditions, especially when psychotic symptoms such as paranoia, delusional thinking, hallucinations or other psychotic symptoms occur. Fish oil is best thought of as an adjunct to other treatment methods, which should include consultation with a medical professional and possibly psychotropic medication.