Psychiatry
A review of possible relations between omega-3 PUFA and depression, anxiety and stress disorders
The central nervous system (CNS) has the highest concentrations of lipids in the body, after adipose tissue. In the brain, these lipids include the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFA) docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, in the omega-3 family) and arachidonic acid (AA, in the omega-6 family).
Omega-3 in depression
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with high morbidity and mortality and a substantial reduction in quality of life.
Omega-3 could reduce cardiovascular mortality in schizophrenia
There is an inflammatory process common to the symptoms of schizophrenia, arterial elasticity and cardiovascular disease (CVD). This leads to the following observations:
DHA in cognition in maturity and ageing
The fact that cognitive function peaks in adulthood means that the effects of consuming docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) must be assessed over long time periods, to cover possible variability.
EPA and DHA in cognitive impairment, emotional dysfunction and cerebral atrophy
Age-related cognitive impairment is characterised by progressive and irreversible loss of grey matter in various regions of the brain, together with atrophy of the hippocampus and the prefrontal
Supplementation in psychiatric practice
Epidemiological studies have observed an inverse correlation between per capita fish consumption and the prevalence of major depression, postnatal depression and bipolar spectrum disorders.
EPA and depression associated with inflammation
Despite advances in neuroscience, treatment of major depressive disorder remains a challenge, as current pharmacological treatments often fail to cover clinical needs.
DHA counteracts age-associated cognitive deterioration and is beneficial in the prevention of Alzheimers disease
Alzheimer's disease requires therapeutic and preventative measures due to its high incidence worldwide. Before the final stage of the disease, there is a progression period during which action may be taken.
Beneficial effects on Alzheimers disease of long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) at high concentrations
Alzheimer's disease is the main cause of dementia among the elderly. At its genesis, two anomalous structures appear in the brain, plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, which contribute to the characteristic deterioration of nerve cells associated with the disease.
Consumption of fatty acid-rich fish improves paroxetine response
Up to 50% of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) do not respond to treatment with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs).