Preventing psychotic disorders by using antipsychotic medicines is often considered to be controversial. Studies have revealed that long chain omega-3, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may prove to be useful in dealing with various psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia. Various research works have time and again stated that Omega-3 PUFAs are mostly good for health and do not have any adverse effects. This is the reason that omega-3 fatty acids supplementations are given to people suffering from some or the other psychotic disorder such as schizophrenia.
Omega-3 fatty acids form receptors in the body such as fluids which help to receive and send signals. Every cell of our body is made up of Omega-3 fatty acids. Each cell is covered by a membrane and omega-3 fatty acids make up this membrane. It is because of this reason that on your being unable to consume these fatty acids you are given a daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids supplementations so that these cell membranes function properly. This proper functioning involves travelling of molecules correctly inside as well as outside the cell. Deficiency of omega-3 fatty acids is not just associated with psychotic disorders but also with depression, pain and headache.
The two most important types of omega-3 fatty acids are Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). It is known that 70% – 80% of our brain is made up of fat. Studies have also revealed that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which is an omega-3 fatty acid is one of the primary components of the brain and retina in human beings. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) on the other hand is a polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) which inhibits aggregation of platelets. EPA is also considered to prove beneficial in psychotic conditions especially in schizophrenia by reducing depression and suicidal tendencies.
It is basically because of these findings that daily doses of omega-3 fatty acids supplementations of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are considered to be beneficial in the prevention of psychotic disorders especially the likes of schizophrenia.