Ethyl Eicosapentanoic Acid (Ethyl-EPA) for Treating Major Depression

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)80 enrolled

Overview

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of ethyl-eicosapentanoic acid (ethyl-EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid, in treating depression.

Evidence suggests that omega-3 fatty acids may help reduce symptoms of depression. This study will determine whether ethyl-EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, can be used safely and effectively to treat major depression. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either ethyl EPA-containing pills or placebo daily for 8 weeks. Each week, participants will be asked to complete questionnaires which will be used to assess the severity of their depression.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

DOUBLE

Enrollment

Conditions

Depressive Disorder Depression

Interventions

Ethyl-eicosapentanoic acid (ethyl-EPA)DRUG

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 YearsMax age: 80 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Major depressive disorder Exclusion Criteria: * Serious comorbid psychiatric disorder * Unstable medical illness * Prior use of any omega-3 fatty acid product

Locations (1)

Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, United States

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Alleviation of depressive symptoms

Data from ClinicalTrials.gov

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