Essential Fatty Acids for Major Depression

Completed · Not applicable · Has a placebo group

Conditions studied: Major Depression

In brief

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.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT00256412

Run by

University of Iowa

People needed

24

Starts

2005-10-01

Expected to finish

2007-10-01

Last updated by the study team

2008-06-05

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 55. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• DSM-IV criteria for nonpsychotic MDD
• Not currently on antidepressants OR not responding to a stable dose of antidepressants

You may not qualify if…

• DSM-IV for substance abuse in past month or dependence past year.
• Allergy to fish
• Bleeding disorder or taking warfarin
• Omega-3 supplements for more than three consecutive days in the preceding month
• Pregnant
• Taking medications (i.e. glucocorticoids) known to produce affective symptoms
• History of non-response to escitalopram
• DSM-IV for an eating disorder in the preceding year.

Where it is running

• University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics — Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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