n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Decrease Anxiety Feelings in a Population of Substance Abusers

Abstract

There is mounting evidence that low levels of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) play a role in the pathophysiology of a number of psychiatric disorders. Preclinical studies have shown that n-3 PUFAs decrease anxietylike behaviors, but there is a paucity of information about their effects on anxiety in humans. In light of our observation that substance abusers have poor dietary habits and the strong association between anxiety disorders and substance use disorders, the possibility that the administration of supplements of n-3 PUFAs would decrease the anxiety level of a group of substance abusers was explored. Thirteen patients were given on a daily basis capsules containing 3 g of n-3 PUFAS (eicosapentaenoic acid + docosahexaenoic acid). Eleven patients received similarly looking placebo capsules containing vegetable oil. The trial was double-blind, randomized, and lasted 3 months. A scale assessing anxiety feelings was administered at baseline and on a monthly basis thereafter. Six PUFA group patients and 8 placebo group patients were followed for an additional 3 months after treatment discontinuation and administered the same questionnaire monthly. Patients who received n-3 PUFAs for 3 months showed a progressive decline in anxiety scores. This was not the case for patients who received placebos. A comparison of the 2 groups was significant (P = 0.010). Anxiety scores remained significantly decreased in the PUFA group for 3 months after treatment discontinuation. A comparison of the 2 groups followed for 6 months was also significant (P = 0.042). In conclusion, these preliminary data indicate that n-3 PUFA supplementation could be beneficial in the treatment of some patients with anxiety disorders.

Associations between increases in plasma n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids following supplementation and decreases in anger and anxiety in substance abusers

“…A group of patients was studied and found to have a suboptimal dietary intake of long chain (LC) n-3 PUFAs. Significant decreases in anger and anxiety scores following a 3-month treatment with a daily dose of 2.25 g of EPA, 500 mg of DHA and 250 mg of other n-3 PUFAs were observed in these patients (Buydens-Branchey and Branchey, 2006;Buydens-Branchey and Branchey, in press). Plasma samples had been collected in these patients prior to the start and at the end of the therapeutic trial but fatty acids (FAs) levels had not been determined in these samples and no association could thus be established between changes in anger and anxiety scores and biochemical changes.…”

Is there a role forn-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the regulation of mood and behaviour? A review of the evidence to date from epidemiological studies, clinical studies and intervention trials

“…The study found increased seafood consumption during pregnancy was associated with decreased behavioural problems; however, (159) C substance abusers 24 (13/11) 2·25 g EPA þ 0·5 g DHA þ0·25 g other n-3PUFA (161,162) ; HAQ-C, Hostility-Aggression Questionnaire for Children (163,164) ; w-s, within-subjects; POMS, Profile of Mood States (anger question, tension question) (136) ; STAXI, State-Trait Anger Expression Inventory (165) ; C, clinical; ADHD, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder; ABC, Aberrant Behaviour Checklist (166) ; MOAS, Modified Overt Aggression Scale (137) ; E-EPA, ethyl ester EPA; n-6PUFA, n-6 long-chain PUFA.…”

Nutrient-Based Therapies for Bipolar Disorder: A Systematic Review

“…And finally, decreased levels of most n–3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have been found in the red blood cell membranes of patients with social anxiety disorder [19] as well as in those with mood disorders [12,20]. Investigators such as Horrobin, Buydens-Branchey, and their colleagues [13,14,20,21,22] have demonstrated that supplementation of these essential fatty acids may help to improve outcomes across several domains of psychopathology, including aggression.…”