Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Essential Fatty Acid Status as a Predictor of Future Suicide Risk

Plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in phospho-lipids were measured in 33 medication-free depressed subjects monitored for suicide attempt over a 2-year period. Survival analysis examined the association of plasma polyunsaturated fatty acid status & pathological outcome. 7 subjects attempted suicide on follow-up. A lower docosahexaenoic acid percentage of total plasma polyunsaturated fatty acids & a higher omega-6/omega-3 ratio predicted suicide attempt. If confirmed, this finding has implications for the neurobiology of suicide & the reduction of suicide risk. (15 refs.)