S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) as antidepressant: meta-analysis of clinical studies.
BACKGROUND
S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) is a naturally-occurring substance which is a major source of methyl groups in the brain.


METHODS
We conducted a meta-analysis of the studies on SAMe to assess the efficacy of this compound in the treatment of depression compared with placebo and standard tricyclic antidepressants.


RESULTS
Our meta-analysis showed a greater response rate with SAMe when compared with placebo, with a global effect size ranging from 17% to 38% depending on the definition of response, and an antidepressant effect comparable with that of standard tricyclic antidepressants.


CONCLUSIONS
The efficacy of SAMe in treating depressive syndromes and disorders is superior with that of placebo and comparable to that of standard tricyclic antidepressants. Since SAMe is a naturally occurring compound with relatively few side-effects, it is a potentially important treatment for depression.
Bressa
G M
GM
Department of Psychiatry, University Cattolica Sacro Cuore School of Medicine, Rome, Italy.
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D010919:Placebos; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000929:Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic; D010919:Placebos; D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine