Omega-3 fatty acids for the prevention of postpartum depression: negative data from a preliminary, open-label pilot study.
Based on the putative relationship between depleted omega-3 fatty acids and postpartum depression, we initiated an open-label pilot study of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation with the aim of preventing postpartum depression. Euthymic pregnant females with a past history of depression in the postpartum period were started on 2960 mg of fish oil (1.4:1 eicosapentaenoic acid:docosahexaenoic acid) per day between the 34th to 36th week of pregnancy and assessed through 12 weeks postpartum. Four of seven participants had a depressive episode during the study period. No participants withdrew from the study due to adverse events. This preliminary, small, open-label pilot study failed to show promising results for the use of omega-3 fatty acid monotherapy beginning at 34 to 36 weeks gestation for the prevention of postpartum depression in patients with a prior postpartum depression history. Controlled studies are lacking.
Department of Psychiatry, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. laurenm@bcm.tmc.edu
Lauren B
LB
Marangell
James M
JM
Martinez
Holly A
HA
Zboyan
Helen
H
Chong
Lucy J
LJ
Puryear
D000328:Adult; D019052:Depression, Postpartum / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated / Q000008:administration & dosage; D005260:Female; D005395:Fish Oils / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D010555:Personality Inventory; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011247:Pregnancy; D011295:Prenatal Care; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D005231:Fatty Acids, Unsaturated; D005395:Fish Oils; D004281:Docosahexaenoic Acids; D015118:Eicosapentaenoic Acid