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Review
. 2023 Apr;32(2):273-296.
doi: 10.1016/j.chc.2022.08.009.

Complementary/Integrative Medicine Treatment and Prevention of Youth Psychosis

Vinod S Bhatara  1 , Jeremy Daniel  2 , Carol Whitman  3 , Tamara Vik  3 , Bettina Bernstein  4 , Deborah R Simkin  5
Affiliations
Review

Complementary/Integrative Medicine Treatment and Prevention of Youth Psychosis

Vinod S Bhatara et al. Child Adolesc Psychiatr Clin N Am. 2023 Apr.

Abstract

The rationale for CIM treatments in youth psychoses is to optimize treatment by targeting symptoms not resolved by antipsychotics, such as negative symptoms (major drivers of disability). Adjunctive omega-3 fatty acids (ω-3 FA) or N-acetyl cystine (NAC usage for > 24-week) can potentially reduce negative symptoms and improve function. ω-3 FA or exercise may prevent progression to psychosis in youth (in prodromal stage). Weekly 90-minute moderate to vigorous physical activity or aerobic exercise can reduce positive and negative symptoms. Awaiting better research, CIM agents are also recommended because they are devoid of any serious side-effects.

Keywords: Complementary and integrative treatments; First-episode psychosis; N-acetyl cysteine; Omega-3 fatty acids; Prodromal stage.

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