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Omega-3 supplementation reduces schizotypal personality in children: A randomized controlled trial
Based on a previous childhood intervention (ages 3 to 5) that included increased fish consumption and led to a reduction in schizotypal personality at age 23, Raine et al. (2024) hypothesized that omega-3 fatty acids could reduce schizotypy. The purpose of this study is to investigate the notion that children who take omega-3 supplements have less schizotypy. 290 children between the ages of 11 and 12 were randomized to one of four groups in this intention-to-treat, single-blind, stratified, factorial trial: Omega-3 Only, Omega-3 + Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Omega-3 + CBT, and a Control group. The Schizotypal Personality Questionnaire for Children (SPQ-C) was used to measure schizotypy at baseline (0 months), three months after therapy, six months after treatment, and nine months after treatment (12 months). Total schizotypy ratings were lower in the Omega-3 Only and Omega-3 + CBT groups both immediately after treatment and three months after supplementation finished than in the Control group, according to a significant group × time interaction. The interpersonal schizotypy component showed more noticeable decreases, with both omega-3 groups exhibiting larger decreases nine months after therapy than the CBT-only group. Those with higher dietary omega-3 intake at baseline showed more significant reductions in schizotypy. Sensitivity analyses confirmed these results. The results suggest that omega-3 supplementation can reduce schizotypal personality traits in community-residing children. If replicated, these findings could offer insights for early prevention of more severe schizotypal symptoms in adolescence. [NPID: schizotypy, children, omega-3, randomized controlled trial, CBT, diet]
Year: 2024
