The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Developmental Psychopathology: A Systematic Review on Early Psychosis, Autism, and ADHD

Agostoni et al., 2017 | Int J Mol Sci | Systematic Review

Citation

Agostoni Carlo, Nobile Maria, ... Brambilla Paolo. The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Developmental Psychopathology: A Systematic Review on Early Psychosis, Autism, and ADHD. Int J Mol Sci. 2017-Dec-04;18(12). doi:10.3390/ijms18122608

Abstract

In this systematic review, we will consider and debate studies that have explored the effects of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in three major, and somehow related, developmental psychiatric disorders: Autism, Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity disorder and Psychosis. The impact of ω-3 PUFAs on clinical symptoms and, if possible, brain trajectory in children and adolescents suffering from these illnesses will be reviewed and discussed, considering the biological plausibility of the effects of omega-3 fatty acids, together with their potential perspectives in the field. Heterogeneity in study designs will be discussed in the light of differences in results and interpretation of studies carried out so far.

Key Findings

Heterogeneity in study designs will be discussed in the light of differences in results and interpretation of studies carried out so far.

Outcomes Measured

Requires manual extraction

Population

Field	Value
Population	See abstract
Sample Size	See abstract
Age Range	See abstract
Condition	See abstract

MeSH Terms

Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity
Autistic Disorder
Docosahexaenoic Acids
Eicosapentaenoic Acid
Fatty Acids, Omega-3
Humans
Psychotic Disorders

Evidence Classification

Level: Systematic Review
Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
Vertical: omega-3-adhd

Provenance

PMID: 29207548
DOI: 10.3390/ijms18122608
PMCID: PMC5751211
Verified: 2026-04-09 via PubMed E-utilities API

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09