None listed
Conditions
Brief summary
1.To demonstrate the feasibility of conducting a RCT using omega-3 supplementation with a community sample of impulsive, repeat-violent offenders. Secondary objectives 1.To collect information about the effectiveness of omega-3 supplementation on 3-month behavioural measures of impulsivity, anger, depression and irritability in impulsive, repeat-violent offenders. 2.To collect information about the effectiveness of omega-3 supplementation in reducing self-reported offending among impulsive, repeat-violent offenders.
Interventions
This pilot study will utilise a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of omega-3 supplementation in 50 men who have been convicted of violent crimes in NSW. Upon entry into the study, participants will be randomised into either the treatment (n=25) or placebo (n=25) arm of the study.
Treatment
Participants enrolled in the study will take 5 x 1gm capsules orally per day for three months. Those receiving the active treatment will receive 5 x 1g fish oil capsules, containing a tota
This pilot study will utilise a double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trial of omega-3 supplementation in 50 men who have been convicted of violent crimes in NSW. Upon entry into the study, participants will be randomised into either the treatment (n=25) or placebo (n=25) arm of the study. Treatment Participants enrolled in the study will take 5 x 1gm capsules orally per day for three months. Those receiving the active treatment will receive 5 x 1g fish oil capsules, containing a total of 3000mg LC-omega-3 FA (2000mg EPA, 1000mg DHA) taken once daily for 3 months. Adherence will be assessed using both direct questioning by the research assistant, pill counting, and erythrocyte omega-3 content based on blood omega-3 levels. Participants will be required to return empty medication packs at the follow-up assessments (6 and 12 weeks) and asked to provide a blood sample at baseline and 12 weeks for measurement of omega-3 content in erythrocyte membrane phospholipids. Participants will also be asked during the follow-up phone calls how many days they have missed taking their capsules. Participants will also be asked to return the capsules at each face-to-face meeting with the research assistant, the remaining number of capsules will then be counted.
Sponsors
Hunter New England Mental Health Neuropsychiatry Service
Study design
Allocation
Randomised controlled trial
Intervention model
Parallel
Primary purpose
Prevention
Masking
Blinded (masking used) (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
Male
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
*Male *Aged 18 years and over *Prior conviction for at least two violent offences (e.g. manslaughter, robbery, assault) *Minimum score of 70 on the Barratt Impulsivity Scale *Medically fit *Able to provide informed consent *Fluent in English *Willing to provide a sample of blood at the beginning and end of the study *For the purposes of this study, violent crime is defined as per the Australian Standard Offence Classification and includes the following five categories: homicide (including manslaughter); acts intended to cause injury; dangerous and negligent acts endangering persons; abduction, harassment and other offences against the person; and robbery, extortion and related offences
Exclusion criteria
*Allergy to seafood or iodine *Current use of anti-coagulants and blood thinners *Current use of systemic antibiotics or anti-inflammatories *Unstable use of medication to modify mood, behaviour or serotonin levels *Unwilling to provide a sample of blood at the beginning and end of the study *Severe mental illness (schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depression) *Considered to be at high risk of suicide *Significant renal or hepatic impairment *Anticipation of receiving a custodial sentence *Impending deportation, moving interstate or to a remote area. *Conviction for murder or child sex offences
Outcome results
None listed