@article{ref1,
title="Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation in patients with recurrent self-harm. Single-centre, double-blind randomised controlled trial",
journal="British journal of psychiatry",
year="2007",
author="Hallahan, Brian and Hibbeln, J. R. and Davis, Julie M. and Garland, Malcolm R.",
volume="190",
number="",
pages="118-122",
abstract="BACKGROUND: Trials have demonstrated benefits of long-chain omega-3 essential fatty acid (n-3 EFA) supplementation in a variety of psychiatric disorders. AIMS: To assess the efficacy of n-3 EFAs in improving psychological well-being in patients with recurrent self-harm. METHOD: Patients (n=49) presenting after an act of repeated self-harm were randomised to receive 1.2 g eicosapentaenoic acid plus 0.9 g decosahexaenoic acid (n=22) or placebo (n=27) for 12 weeks in addition to standard psychiatric care. Six psychological domains were measured at baseline and end point. RESULTS: At 12 weeks, the n-3 EFA group had significantly greater improvements in scores for depression, suicidality and daily stresses. Scores for impulsivity, aggression and hostility did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: Supplementation achieved substantial reductions in surrogate markers of suicidal behaviour and improvements in well-being. Larger studies are warranted to determine if insufficient dietary intake of n-3 EFAs is a reversible risk factor for self-harm.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="0007-1250",
doi="10.1192/bjp.bp.106.022707",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.106.022707"
}