Use of Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Perinatal Depression

• Status: Completed
• Trial end date: 2006-01-01
• Target enrollment: 0
• Participant gender: Female

Summary

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of using omega-3 fatty acids to treat women with perinatal depression.

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

Details

• Lead Sponsor: University of Arizona
• Collaborator: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• Women who are pregnant (12 to 32 weeks gestation) or postpartum

• Meets criteria for a major depressive episode

• Scores a minimum of 9 on the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression scale

• Must be able to be treated on an outpatient basis

Exclusion Criteria:

• Known intolerance or allergy to omega-3 fatty acid or fish oil

• Presently taking antidepressant medication

• Currently using heparin or warfarin (compounds used to prevent blood from clotting)

• Presence of psychotic symptoms

• History of mania (abnormally elevated mood state) or hypomania (same as mania but occurs at a much lesser degree)

• Active suicidal ideation (desire to commit suicide)