Clinical trial: omega-3s & depression

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Can Omega-3 Fatty Acids Help Depression?

ScienceDaily (Dec. 21, 2007) — Researchers at

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's Dept of Psychiatry &

Behavioral Neurosciences are seeking participants for

a clinical trial examining whether 2 polyunsaturated

omega-3 fatty acids are effective txs for depression.

The 2 fatty acids being studied, DHA & EPA are found

naturally in fish oil, flaxseed & walnuts. Previous

studies have indicated that nutritional supplements

that contain omega-3 fatty acids can be an effective

tx for depression, but this is the first to

systematically test the 2 specific fatty acids against

each other & against placebo in a large sample of

people with major depression. DHA & EPA have

anti-inflammatory properties & help stabilize brain

cell membranes, both of which play a role in mood

regulation.

The NIH-sponsored study, held in collaboration with

Mass General Hospital, will recruit a total of 300

adults ages 18-80 who are experiencing significant sxs

of major depressive disorder & are in good health. The

5-yr study is designed to test the safety,

effectiveness & tolerability of DHA & EPA against each

other & a placebo. Participants will receive one of

the two drugs or a placebo for 8 wks in a randomized,

double-blind manner.

Major depression affects at least 15% of the adult

population. Unlike normal emotional experiences of

sadness, loss or passing mood states, major depression

is persistent & can significantly interfere with an

individual's thoughts, behavior & physical health.

While it can be effectively tx’d, it is a leading

cause of disability in the U.S. & in many other

countries.

The Cedars-Sinai team, lead by principal investigator

& dept chair Mark Hyman Rapaport, MD, will examine the

effect of the therapies on participants' sxs, quality

of life & psychosocial function. They will also

examine how fatty acids in the blood & proteins

involved in immune function are affected by omega-3s.

Participants will receive free & confidential

evaluation & tx as part of the study. No healthcare

insurance is required. A comprehensive medical

evaluation -- including physical exam, lab tests &

EKG, may be provided at no charge.

" The reported side effects of omega-3 txs have been

mild & include upset stomach & a fishy taste in the

mouth. There do not appear to be risks to the liver or

adverse interactions with most other meds, " said

Rapaport, though he added that people who have

bleeding disorders or who are taking blood thinners

should not use omega-3 fatty acids. Check with your

doctor first.

For more info on the study, call 1-888-CEDARS3.

Adapted from materials provided by Cedars-Sinai

Medical Center.

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