title: The role of folic acid in prevention and treatment of depression: an overview of existing evidence and implications for practice.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Folic acid is a promising nutrient in relation to augmentation of depression treatment efficiency. Our aim is to present an overview of the potential ways in which folic acid may be associated with depression.
  
  
  METHODS
  Search in the databases of PubMed, ProQuest, HEAL- LINK, and HighWire, as well as the Search Engine Google.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data on the correlation of folic acid deficiency and depression is presented along with plausible mechanisms that may account for this association. Secondly, the role of folic acid in the treatment of depression is depicted giving emphasis to the potential of folic acid to enhance patients' responsivess to medication and the therapeutic outcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There is not enough data to justify prescription of folic acid as an aid in patients with severe or chronic depression or mood disorders. However, folic acid levels should be examined in individuals at increased risk for folic acid deficiency or in patients who do not respond to pharmaceutical treatment.
authors.affiliation: Harokopio University, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Athens, Greece. Electronic address: stalolaz@logosnet.cy.net.
authors.forename: Chrystalleni
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lazarou
authors.affiliation: University of Cyprus, Department of Psychology, Nicosia, Cyprus.
authors.forename: Margarita
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kapsou
mesh_terms: D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004357:Drug Synergism; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005494:Folic Acid Deficiency / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D005492:Folic Acid