Essential Fatty Acids for Major Depression

• Status: Completed
• Trial end date: 2007-10-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: All

Summary

This is a research study to determine whether omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, when taken with the antidepressant medication escitalopram (Lexapro), helps to improve depressive symptoms in individuals who have major depressive disorder (MDD).

Omega-3 fatty acids are found in foods including walnuts, some fruits and vegetables, and coldwater fish such as herring, mackerel, sturgeon, and anchovies.

• Phase: N/A
• Accepts Healthy Volunteers?: No

Details

• Lead Sponsor: University of Iowa

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. DSM-IV criteria for nonpsychotic MDD

2. Not currently on antidepressants OR not responding to a stable dose of antidepressants

Exclusion Criteria:

1. DSM-IV for substance abuse in past month or dependence past year.

2. Allergy to fish

3. Bleeding disorder or taking warfarin

4. Omega-3 supplements for more than three consecutive days in the preceding month

5. Pregnant

6. Taking medications (i.e. glucocorticoids) known to produce affective symptoms

7. History of non-response to escitalopram

8. DSM-IV for an eating disorder in the preceding year.