LONDON, January 9 /PRNewswire/ -- New research showing that anti-psychotic drugs are not an effective treatment for aggression in patients with learning disabilities(1), has further underlined concerns about over-prescribing for mental health. A Healthcare Commission report last year found that up to one in three mental health patients were over-prescribed to, and recently American research has suggested that stimulant medication such as Ritalin are not viable long-term treatment solutions(2).

A growing body of evidence suggests that essential fatty acids can play a role in managing learning and behavioural conditions such as ADHD. A clinical trial in Australia showed that almost 50% of ADHD children, aged 7-12, taking Equazen eye q for 30 weeks showed a significant reduction in their parent-rated behavioural symptoms(3). The EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (Docasahexaenoic Acid) and GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid): long chain polyunsaturated essential fatty acids in Equazen eye q are thought to play an important role in brain development and function.

A clinical trial in Sweden last year showed a significant reduction in symptoms of young people, aged 8-18, with ADHD. Of the treatment group taking Equazen eye q, 26% (compared to 7% of the placebo group) responded with a 25% of more reduction of ADHD symptoms after 3 months(4).

An observational study on 28 pupils aged 10-16 at Eaton Hall special school in Norfolk, suggested that taking Equazen eye q for six months reduced the number of incidents requiring physical intervention from a member of staff.

Previous research on the supplement includes the widely acclaimed Oxford-Durham(5) trial, which showed a significant behavioural improvement in children with developmental dyspraxia.

Natural approaches such as dietary supplementation with essential fatty acids are thought to have much lower side effects so are popular with patients and carers. They may also offer a cost effective solution to the growing mental health crisis.

Nick Giovannelli of the Hyperactive Children's Support Group is against prescribing medication to children for ADHD and related conditions without at least exploring alternative therapies first, says: "This new study adds to the mounting evidence that nutrition is safer and more effective than stimulant medication."

Notes for Editors

Equazen eye q is a unique formulation of marine fish oil and virgin evening primrose oil, containing EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid), DHA (docasahexaenoic Acid) and GLA (Gamma Linolenic Acid): long chain polyunsaturated essential fatty acids proven to play an important role in the development of co-ordination, learning ability, memory and concentration.

The oil is of a pharmaceutical grade and each batch is independently tested and always found to be in full compliance with the stringent EU and World Health Organisation guidelines for levels of dioxins, PCBs, heavy metals and pesticides.

Equazen is dedicated to ongoing research on its unique formulations to explore the health benefits that they can offer.

Equazen and eye q are registered trademarks.

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(1) Tyrer et al (2008). Risperidone, haloperidol, and placebo in the treatment of aggressive challenging behaviour in patients with intellectual disability: a randomised controlled trial. The Lancet, Vol. 371, No. 9606. pp. 57-63.

(2) Jensen et al (2007). 3 year follow up of NIMH MTA study. Journal of American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; 46(8): 989-1002.

(3) Sinn, N. & Bryan, J. (2007). Effect of supplementation with polyunsaturated fatty acids and micronutrients on ADHD-related problems with attention and behaviour. Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics, 28(2), 82-91.

(4) Mats Johnson M.D., Sven Östlund B.A., Gunnar Fransson B.A., Björn Kadesjö M.D. Ph.D., Christopher Gillberg M.D. Ph.D.

Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Göteborg University, Sweden

(5) Richardson, A. & Montgomery, P. (2005). The Oxford-Durham Study: a Randomized, Controlled Trial of Dietary Supplementation with Fatty Acids in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder. Pediatrics, 115; 1360-1366

For more information call +44(0)20-7405-0974 or email: Laura Coleman - Laura@hellounity.com