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Lipids and essential fatty acids in patients presenting with self-harm
Malcolm R Garland1, Brian Hallahan, Mairead McNamara
1Department of Adult Psychiatry, Galway University Hospital and the Clinical Sciences Institute, National University of Ireland, Ireland. mgarland@ireland.com
The British Journal of Psychiatry : the Journal of Mental Science
|February 3, 2007
Summary
Individuals who self-harm exhibit lower levels of essential fatty acids (EFAs) and cholesterol. These EFA deficiencies correlate with impulsivity and depression, independent of serotonergic function.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Low cholesterol levels are consistently observed in individuals who self-harm.
- Self-harm behavior is a significant public health concern with complex underlying factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential deficiencies in essential fatty acids (EFAs) among individuals who self-harm.
- To explore the relationship between EFA levels and serotonergic function in this population.
Main Methods:
- Assessed depression, impulsivity, and suicidal intent in 40 self-harm patients and matched controls.
- Measured plasma lipids and EFAs, including platelet serotonergic studies in a subgroup.
Main Results:
- Self-harm patients showed significantly higher psychometric pathology and lower total cholesterol and EFA levels compared to controls.
- Both n-3 and n-6 EFA levels were significantly lower in the self-harm group.
- Impulsivity and depression scores inversely correlated with EFA levels, but not cholesterol.
Conclusions:
- Lower plasma EFA and cholesterol concentrations are associated with self-harm, impulsivity, and affect.
- These biochemical findings were not linked to alterations in platelet serotonergic measures.
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