Treatment of Schizophrenia With an Omega-3 Fatty Acid (EPA) and Antioxidants

Plain-language summary

This study looks at using the omega-3 fatty acid EPA together with antioxidants such as vitamins E and C to treat schizophrenia, compared with a placebo (inactive substance). Patients aged 18 to 40 with schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder or schizoaffective disorder who had recently been admitted to hospital were able to take part. Sponsored by University Hospital, Aker, the study was conducted in Phase 2/Phase 3 and has been completed.

The summary above is a plain-language rendering of the official record. The original English title is shown for reference.

Trial details

Phase

PHASE2/PHASE3

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University Hospital, Aker

Intervention

Ethyl-eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), Vitamins E + C, Etyl EPA (placebo), Vitamins E+C (placebo)

Start date

9/1/2001

Estimated completion

4/1/2004

Countries

Norway

Related genes

Locations

• Oslo, Norway

Eligibility criteria

Criteria are reproduced from the ClinicalTrials.gov record in the original English. Only the trial team can determine eligibility.

Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients with schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder or schizoaffective disorder (DSM-IV)
* Admitted to a psychiatric hospital/department within the previous twenty-one days before screening
* Less than fifteen years, in retrospect, since first psychotic symptoms (DSM-IV 295, criteria A,1-4)
* Age 18-40 years
* Speaks fluently a Scandinavian language
* A written informed consent must be obtained before any trial-related activities

Exclusion Criteria:

* A diagnosis of substance dependence (DSM-IV)
* Known allergy to study medication
* Currently taking warfarin or having anamnestic indicators of impaired haemostasis (profuse bleeding, except epistaxis)