COMPARATIVE STUDY OF OLANZAPINE AND OLANZAPINE AUGMENTATION ALONG WITH OMEGA3 FATTY ACIDS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF SCHIZOPHRENIA

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a multifaceted and persistent mental health condition marked by hallucinations, delusions, and emotional and social disconnection. While antipsychotic medications have shown efficacy in managing symptoms, researchers continue to explore innovative treatment approaches. This study examined the potential advantages of combining olanzapine with Ω-3 fatty acids. Using a randomized controlled design, the research divided 45 individuals with schizophrenia, already stabilized on olanzapine, into three groups: one receiving olanzapine alone, another receiving olanzapine with Ω -3 supplements and a third group comprising healthy individuals prone to stress. By comparing the outcomes across these groups, this study aimed to shed light on the potential benefits of omega-3 fatty acids as an adjunct treatment for schizophrenia.This six-month study employed the PANSS scale for assessment, yielding remarkable outcomes. Regular follow-ups every four weeks revealed that the first group, receiving olanzapine alone, showed no significant improvement, with symptoms remaining stable but not worsening. In contrast, the second group, receiving olanzapine with Ω-3 supplements, demonstrated substantial progress, with notable improvements in both positive and negative symptoms, as well as general physiological symptoms. Seven out of 30 parameters showed significant results, as measured by the PANSS scale. The third group, comprising healthy individuals receiving Ω-3 fatty acids, exhibited satisfactory responses, with improvements in overall symptoms, and four parameters reflected significant responses. The study's preliminary findings suggest that the combination of olanzapine and Ω-3 fatty acids led to greater reductions in PANSS total scores compared to olanzapine alone, indicating a potential benefit of Ω-3 fatty acids in mitigating the severity of schizophrenia symptoms.The study's results support the possibility of Ω-3 fatty acids as a supplementary treatment to enhance the effectiveness of olanzapine in managing schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a complex and chronic mental health condition characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and emotional and social disconnection. Although antipsychotic medications have shown promise in alleviating symptoms, researchers continue to seek innovative treatment approaches. This study explored the potential benefits of combining olanzapine with Ω-3 fatty acids in a randomized controlled trial. Forty-five individuals with schizophrenia, already stabilized on olanzapine, were divided into three groups: one receiving olanzapine alone, another receiving olanzapine with Ω-3 supplements, and a third group consisting of healthy individuals prone to stress. Over six months, participants were assessed using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). The outcomes were notable, suggesting that Ω-3 fatty acids may be a valuable adjunct treatment for schizophrenia, enhancing the management of symptoms and improving overall well-being. However this is one of the preliminary studies on Omega-3 fatty acids for the management of schizophrenia, further studies are suggested for better insight.