A double-blind dose-finding pilot study of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) for major depressive disorder

Abstract We examined the antidepressant efficacy and dose–response pattern of the n −3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Thirty-five depressed adult outpatients (46% women; mean age 42 ± 14 years) with a 17-item Hamilton-Depression Scale (HAM-D-17) score of > /= 18 were randomized into one of three dou...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:European neuropsychopharmacology 2008-09, Vol.18 (9), p.639-645
Main Authors: Mischoulon, David, Best-Popescu, Catherine, Laposata, Michael, Merens, Wendelien, Murakami, Jessica L, Wu, Shirley L, Papakostas, George I, Dording, Christina M, Sonawalla, Shamsah B, Nierenberg, Andrew A, Alpert, Jonathan E, Fava, Maurizio
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Antidepressive Agents - therapeutic use
Depression
Depressive Disorder, Major - blood
Depressive Disorder, Major - drug therapy
DHA
Docosahexaenoic acid
Docosahexaenoic Acids - blood
Docosahexaenoic Acids - therapeutic use
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
Double-Blind Method
Eicosapentaenoic acid
Eicosapentaenoic Acid - blood
EPA
Fatty Acids - blood
Female
Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry - methods
Humans
Internal Medicine
Male
Middle Aged
n−3
Omega-3
Pilot Projects
Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
Psychiatry
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:Abstract We examined the antidepressant efficacy and dose–response pattern of the n −3 docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Thirty-five depressed adult outpatients (46% women; mean age 42 ± 14 years) with a 17-item Hamilton-Depression Scale (HAM-D-17) score of > /= 18 were randomized into one of three double-blind dosing arms for 12 weeks. Group A ( n = 14): 1 g/day of oral DHA; Group B ( n = 11): 2 g/day; and Group C ( n = 10): 4 g/day. We measured HAM-D-17 scores, plasma DHA, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and n −6/ n −3 ratio. Completer response rates (> /= 50% decrease in HAM-D-17 score) were 83% for Group A, 40% for Group B, and 0% for Group C; Groups A and B had significant decreases in HAM-D-17 scores ( p < 0.05). For completers and intent-to-treat subjects, plasma DHA increased significantly ( p < 0.05), EPA had little change ( p > 0.05), and n −6/ n −3 decreased significantly ( p < 0.05). DHA may be effective for depression at lower doses.
ISSN:0924-977X
1873-7862
DOI:10.1016/j.euroneuro.2008.04.011