A Study of Omega-3 as a Treatment for Major Depression

• Status: Unknown status
• Trial end date: 1969-12-31
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

The purpose of this study is to determine whether omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are effective as a monotherapy for depression.

• Phase: Phase 2
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: No

Details

• Lead Sponsor: The University of New South Wales
• Collaborators: Ocean Nutrition; Sphere Healthcare; Your Health Inc.

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Must meet DSM IV criteria for non-psychotic major depression lasting at least 6 weeks or dysthymia.

• Must be under the care of a mental health practitioner.

• Must be able to give informed consent.

• Must be able to attend the Black Dog Institute.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Unsuccessful treatment with more than 2 antidepressant medications (at therapeutically adequate doses and duration.

• History of psychosis or mania/hypomania or personality disorder.

• Non-English speaking or otherwise unable to provide historical information.

• Having taken Omega-3 dietary supplements in the last 3 months.

• Taking antidepressant medication for depression.

• History of allergy to n-3 PUFA supplements, finfish or shellfish.

• Pregnancy, breast feeding or planning to become pregnant during course of study.

• Post-natal depression.

• Current drug or alcohol abuse or dependence or history of abuse or dependence over the last 12 months.

• Unstable thyroid function

• Hepatic or renal impairment or other medical conditions that may interfere with the absorption and metabolism of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids.

• Coagulopathy or anticoagulant treatment.

• Patients who, in the investigator's judgment pose a current serious suicidal or other safety risk, or patients who are not likely to be able to comply with the study protocol.