It must be emphasized that in all EPA treatment studies, no treatment-related side effects or adverse biochemical or haematological effects have been observed. EPA proved safe to administer to schizophrenic patients as an adjunct therapy. EPA did not cause side effects other than mild gastrointestinal symptoms by itself, nor did it enhance the side effects of existing drugs. Patients found EPA highly tolerable. The proportion of patients who completed 12 weeks (89%) compares favourably with mean withdrawal rates of 54% in the novel neuroleptic groups and 67% in the placebo groups in trials in the FDA database (Peet et al., 2002). Acceptance of a substance which is normally found in the human body without significant side effects, with a potency potentially similar to the antipsychotic drugs in the early phase of psychotic disorders could contribute to reduce the duration of untreated psychosis and to increase compliance.