title: S-adenosylmethionine and depression.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Depression is one on the most common psychological problems encountered in medical practice. Conventional antidepressants, although effective, have many side effects and there is a need for effective medications with fewer side effects.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To present all the available clinical evidence on the supplement, S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) in the treatment of depressive symptoms as well as its safety.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recent clinical studies have revealed that SAMe, a naturally occurring molecule, is safe and effective in the treatment of mild and moderate depression. Although further research is required to clarify SAMe's role as a potential first line treatment for depression, physicians should be aware of the safety and efficacy of SAMe in order to advise patients on its appropriate use as complementary or as an alternative to traditional therapy for depression.
authors.forename: Minh
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: Angel
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Gregan
mesh_terms: D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000494:pharmacology; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D012436:S-Adenosylmethionine