Researchers at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center's Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences are seeking participants for a clinical trial examining whether two polyunsaturated Omega-3 fatty acids are effective treatments for depression.
The two fatty acids being studied -- docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentanoic acid (EPA) -- are found naturally in fish oil, flaxseed and walnuts. Previous studies have indicated that nutritional supplements that contain Omega-3 fatty acids can be an effective treatment for depression, but this is the first to systematically test the two specific fatty acids against each other and against placebo in a large sample of people with major depression. DHA and EPA have anti-inflammatory properties and help stabilize brain cell membranes, both of which play a role in mood regulation.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH)-sponsored study, held in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital, will recruit a total of 300 adults ages 18-80 who are experiencing significant symptoms of major depressive disorder and are in good health. The five-year study is designed to test the safety, effectiveness and tolerability of DHA and EPA against each other and a placebo. Participants will receive one of the two drugs or a placebo for eight weeks in a randomized, double-blind manner.
Major depression affects at least 15 percent of the adult population. Unlike normal emotional experiences of sadness, loss or passing mood states, major depression is persistent and can significantly interfere with an individual's thoughts, behavior and physical health. While it can be effectively treated, it is a leading cause of disability in the U.S. and in many other countries.