Omega-3 polyunsaturated essential fatty acid status as a predictor of future suicide risk - PubMed (original) (raw)

Comparative Study

. 2006 Jun;163(6):1100-2.

doi: 10.1176/ajp.2006.163.6.1100.

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Comparative Study

Omega-3 polyunsaturated essential fatty acid status as a predictor of future suicide risk

M Elizabeth Sublette et al. Am J Psychiatry. 2006 Jun.

Abstract

Objective: Low levels of docosahexaenoic acid, a polyunsaturated fatty acid, and elevated ratios of omega-6/omega-3 fatty acids are associated with major depression and, possibly, suicidal behavior. Predicting risk of future suicidal behaviors by essential fatty acid status merits examination.

Method: Plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in phospholipids were measured in 33 medication-free depressed subjects monitored for suicide attempt over a 2-year period. Survival analysis examined the association of plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid status and pathological outcome.

Results: Seven subjects attempted suicide on follow-up. A lower docosahexaenoic acid percentage of total plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids and a higher omega-6/omega-3 ratio predicted suicide attempt.

Conclusions: A low docosahexaenoic acid percentage and low omega-3 proportions of lipid profile predicted risk of suicidal behavior among depressed patients over the 2-year period. If confirmed, this finding would have implications for the neurobiology of suicide and reduction of suicide risk.

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