title: Omega-3 fatty acid augmentation of citalopram treatment for patients with major depressive disorder.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to explore the efficacy of combination therapy with citalopram plus omega-3 fatty acids versus citalopram plus placebo (olive oil) in the initial treatment of individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD). We hypothesized that combination therapy would lead not only to greater efficacy but also to a more rapid onset of therapeutic response.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty-two subjects participated in this 9-week randomized, masked, placebo-controlled study of combination therapy (two 1 g capsules containing a blend of 900 mg of eicosapentaenoic acid, 200 mg of and docosahexaenoic acid, and 100 mg of other omega-3 fatty acids twice daily plus citalopram) versus monotherapy (two 1 g capsules of olive oil per day plus citalopram) treatment of MDD.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The combination therapy demonstrated significantly greater improvement in Hamilton Depression Rating scale scores over time (F = 7.32; df 1,177; P = 0.008) beginning at week 4 (t = -2.48; df 177; P = 0.014).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Combination therapy was more effective than monotherapy in decreasing signs and symptoms of MDD during the 8 weeks of active treatment; however, combination therapy did not seem to enhance the speed of the initial antidepressant response. These findings suggest that there may be an advantage to combining omega-3 fatty acids with a selective serotonin uptake inhibitor in the initial treatment of individuals with MDD. A larger definitive study is warranted.
authors.affiliation: California Clinical Trials Medical Group, Glendale, CA 91206, USA. lev.gertsik@cctrials.com
authors.forename: Lev
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Gertsik
authors.forename: Russell E
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Poland
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bresee
authors.forename: Mark Hyman
authors.initials: MH
authors.lastname: Rapaport
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D015283:Citalopram / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000523:psychology; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D015283:Citalopram