A placebo-controlled cross-over trial of adjunctive EPA in OCD

J Psychiatr Res. 2004 May-Jun;38(3):323-5. doi: 10.1016/S0022-3956(03)00077-3.

Abstract

Several clinical studies showed beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids in major affective disorders, including resistant depression. Some antidepressants are also effective, albeit less so, in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We therefore undertook a preliminary placebo-controlled cross-over trial of adjunctive eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in OCD. Eleven patients with current obsessive-compulsive disorder, who were on a stable maximally tolerated dose of SSRI with no further improvement over at least the last two months, were recruited. Subjects were randomly allocated to begin 6 weeks of placebo (2 g liquid paraffin per day) followed by 6 weeks of 2 g of EPA or EPA followed by placebo. Patients continued their prior SSRIs at the same dose. Assessments were performed with the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (YBOCS), and the Hamilton Rating Scales for depression (HAM-D) and anxiety (HAM-A). There were no effects of order of treatment. Time had a main effect of YBOCS scores; mean scores declined from 26.0 (+/-5) to 17.6 (+/-6) by week 6 on placebo and to 18.5 (+/-4) on EPA. There were no effects on HAM-D and HAM-A. No clinically relevant side effects were reported. The results of this study suggest that adjunctive EPA is ineffective against OCD.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Cross-Over Studies
  • Drug Administration Schedule
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / administration & dosage
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / pharmacology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder / drug therapy*
  • Placebos
  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Placebos
  • Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid