title: Effectiveness of chromium in atypical depression: a placebo-controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Chromium picolinate (CP) has been reported to benefit patients with symptoms of atypical depression.
  
  
  METHODS
  A placebo-controlled, double-blind, pilot study of CP was conducted in 15 patients with DSM-IV major depressive disorder, atypical type. Patients received 600 micro g of CP or matching placebo (PBO) for 8 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Seven (70%) CP and zero (0%) PBO patients met responder criteria (p =.02). Other outcomes were consistent with greater effect of CP. Three patients on CP failed to show any improvement. Chromium picolinate was well tolerated.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Chromium picolinate shows promising antidepressant effects in atypical depression. Its mechanism of action may relate to 5HT2A downregulation, increased insulin sensitivity, or to other effects.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina 27710, USA.
authors.forename: Jonathan R T
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Davidson
authors.forename: Kurian
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Abraham
authors.forename: Kathryn M
authors.initials: KM
authors.lastname: Connor
authors.forename: Malcolm N
authors.initials: MN
authors.lastname: McLeod
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory; D010848:Picolinic Acids / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents; D010848:Picolinic Acids; C030614:picolinic acid