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

Eur Neuropsychopharmacol. 2008 Sep;18(9):639-45. doi: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2008.04.011. Epub 2008 Jun 6.

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 >or=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 (>or=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.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antidepressive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / blood
  • Depressive Disorder, Major / drug therapy*
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / blood
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids / therapeutic use*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid / blood
  • Fatty Acids / blood
  • Female
  • Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry / methods
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Fatty Acids
  • Docosahexaenoic Acids
  • Eicosapentaenoic Acid