Ethyl Eicosapentanoic Acid (Ethyl-EPA) for Treating Major Depression
Information source: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this data on August 23, 2015 Link to the current ClinicalTrials.gov record.
Condition(s) targeted: Depressive Disorder; Depression
Intervention: Ethyl-eicosapentanoic acid (ethyl-EPA) (Drug)
Phase: Phase 3
Status: Completed
Sponsored by: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) Official(s) and/or principal investigator(s): David Mischoulon, MD, PhD, Principal Investigator, Affiliation: Massachusetts General Hospital
Summary
The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of ethyl-eicosapentanoic acid
(ethyl-EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid, in treating depression.
Clinical Details
Official title: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Ethyl Eicosapentanoic Acid (Ethyl-EPA) in Major Depressive Disorder
Study design: Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Safety/Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment, Masking: Double-Blind, Primary Purpose: Treatment
Primary outcome: Alleviation of depressive symptoms
Detailed description:
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.
Eligibility
Minimum age: 18 Years.
Maximum age: 80 Years.
Gender(s): Both.
Criteria:
Inclusion Criteria:
- Major depressive disorder
Exclusion Criteria:
- Serious comorbid psychiatric disorder
- Unstable medical illness
- Prior use of any omega-3 fatty acid product
Locations and Contacts
Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, United States
Additional Information
Starting date: September 2001
Last updated: January 15, 2008
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