Recent follow-up research has assessed the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on the early warning stages of developing psychosis. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in foods, including 'oily' fish such as mackerel, salmon, tuna and sardines, and particularly of interest here, fish oil tablets.

A recently presented study assessed the impact of a 12-week course of fish oil tablets on young people at risk of developing psychosis. Half took marine fish oil capsules, while other a placebo. At the end of 12 months, the individuals who took the fish oil were less likely to develop psychosis than the placebo group, and this difference was also consistently reported after seven years. Fish oil capsules were reported to help the young people deal with challenges in their lives, compared to placebo group who tended to move into a psychotic stage more rapidly.

More trials are being conducted into mechanisms behind omega-3 fatty acids and psychosis prevention. One theory suggests it may be the anti-inflammatory properties of these fatty acids which interact with dopamine and serotonin in the brain, and are associated with mood.

More research is aimed to be published by April 2015.

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