Efficacy of Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids as a Treatment for Post-traumatic Stress Disorder: A Systematic Review.
Mil Med
; 2024 Jun 25.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38916944
ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION:
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent health condition among members of the military. Although the efficacy of pharmacological and psychiatric interventions for PTSD has been well studied, there are limited data on the effects of omega-3 (n-3) polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) interventions on PTSD. The use of PUFAs shows promise because of their neuroprotective effects. Thus, this systematic review will synthesize the current state of the evidence regarding the effectiveness of PUFA treatment for PTSD. MATERIALS ANDMETHODS:
Using the PubMed, PsychINFO, Embase, and CINAHL databases, a search of the literature was conducted using the search terms "posttraumatic-stress-disorder, combat disorders, trauma-related-stress-disorder, omega-3, fatty acid, and polyunsaturated fatty acids" to identify articles published from January 1, 2008, to January 1, 2024, that focused on PUFA interventions for PTSD. A total of 281 articles were identified. Following exclusions and quality assessments using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) criteria proposed by Cochrane, 6 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and preclinical studies were chosen for inclusion, and data were then extracted into a data matrix for final synthesis and analysis.RESULTS:
The RCTs (n = 3) showed no significant effect of PUFAs in the prevention of PTSD symptom onset. Among preclinical studies (n = 3), PUFAs resulted in a significant decrease in anxiety-like behavior and fear memory and an increase in spatial learning and memory. The quality of evidence among the 6 RCTs and preclinical studies using the Cochrane GRADE criteria ranged from low to high.CONCLUSIONS:
The results from this systematic review suggest that more evidence is needed before making any recommendations for the clinical use of dietary PUFAs in the management of PTSD symptoms.
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Language:
En
Journal:
Mil Med
/
Mil. med
/
Military medicine
Year:
2024
Document type:
Article
Affiliation country:
United States
Country of publication:
United kingdom