Omega 3 fatty acids (fish oil) can be effective in the treatment of psychiatric symptoms.
Researchers at Zucker Hillside Hospital's Recognition and Prevention (RAP) Program studied the teenagers at risk for serious mental illness for the past decade. They wanted to test whether Omega-3 fatty acids improve clinical symptoms and help adolescents and young adults (ages 12-25) who are at elevated risk for severe psychiatric disorders function better in school, work and other social environments.
Barbara Cornblatt, Ph.D., director of the Recognition and Prevention (RAP) Program and investigator at The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research stated:
"Most of 300 adolescents who have participated in the RAP Program, have shown substantial improvement. Omega 3 could be a natural alternative to the range of medications and therapies now offered to RAP participants."
The RAP Program study will randomly assign participants to either Omega 3 supplementation or to a placebo and will compare the groups on key measures of symptoms and functioning after six months. Participants in both groups will be monitored closely on a monthly basis and compensation will be provided. All supplements are offered free of charge.
