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Recurrent self-harm causes significant disability and distress worldwide and is difficult to treat. Behavioral treatments, such as dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), have been far more effective than medications. In this 12-week, randomized, controlled trial, researchers tested the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acid supplements previously shown to help patients with mood disorders.
The 49 participants had presented with self-harm to a hospital emergency department; all had histories of self-harm, and 71% had borderline personality disorder. Patients with active substance use or psychosis were excluded. Participants received adjunctive fishy-tasting placebo or eicosapentaenoic acid (1.2 g) plus docosahexaenoic acid (0.9 g). At 12 weeks, treatm…