Research: May the Best Friend be an Enemy if not Recognized Early: Possible Role of Omega-3 Against Cardiovascular Abnormalities Due to Antipsychotics in the Treatment of Autism

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Authored by Cysneiros, RM, Terra VC, Machado HR, Arida RM, Schwartman JS, Cavalheiro EA, and Scorza FA in Arq Neuropsiquiatr, Volume 67, Issue 3B, p. 922-926, (2009).

Article summary (posted May 18, 2010):

Omega-3 fatty acid supplements may reduce the incidence of sudden cardiac death in patients with autism who are prescribed atypical antipsychotics.

This paper describes the logic behind using omega-3 fatty acids to protect the hearts of children given brain drugs (atypical antipsychotics). Atypical antipsychotics may cause sudden death by causing the heart to stop beating. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to protect people from heart disease. The authors note that, in many cases, children with autism have only low levels of omega-3 fatty acids in their blood. They believe that omega-3 fatty acid supplements may help children with autism in many ways and may help to protect the heart of children giving atypical antipsychotics.

Links:

You can access the original abstract and the complete paper is sometimes available for free via Google Scholar (look for entries that say "PDF" or "HTML" on the right side of the page).
antipsychotic, atypical antipsychotic, autism, drug, omega-3, supplements, treatment
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