A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid in the treatment of major depression.
OBJECTIVE
This study was an evaluation of the omega-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for the treatment of major depression.


METHODS
Thirty-six depressed patients were randomly assigned to receive DHA, 2 g/day, or placebo for 6 weeks. Response was defined a priori as a > or =50% reduction in the score on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Thirty-five participants were evaluable; 18 received DHA, and 17 received placebo.


RESULTS
Response rates were 27.8% in the DHA group and 23.5% in the placebo group. The difference in response rates between groups did not reach statistical significance.


CONCLUSIONS
This trial failed to show a significant effect of DHA monotherapy in subjects with major depression.
Mood Disorders Center, Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Suite 560, 6655 Travis Road, Houston, TX 77030, USA. laurenm@bcm.tmc.edu
Lauren B
LB
Marangell
James M
JM
Martinez
Holly A
HA
Zboyan
Barbara
B
Kertz
H Florence Seung
HF
Kim
Lucy J
LJ
Puryear
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D010919:Placebos; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D010919:Placebos; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids