Israeli
Study: Omega-3 Fatty Acids May Help Depression in Children
July
4, 2006
Reuters
reports that a controlled double-blind trial testing Omega-3
Fatty acids in 28 depressed children (aged 6 to 12) found
a positive treatment correlation.
The
study, "Omega-3 Treatment of Childhood Depression:
A Controlled, Double-Blind Pilot Study," conducted
at Ben
Gurion University of the Negev (Israel), by by Dr. R. H.
Belmaker, Chairman of Psychiatry, and colleagues, used the
identical outcome criteria used in drug trials--reduction
in score on the CDRS questionnaire. But whereas
antidepressants have failed to demonstrate a benefit in
controlled trials, the results in the Omega-3 oil trial
results are promising:
"Seven
out of 10 children in the active treatment group and none
of the children in the placebo group had a reduction in
CDRS score of more than 50% (p = 0.003). Four children in
the omega-3 group met criteria for remission compared with
none in the placebo group. Results of CDI and CGI scores
also showed significant improvements in the omega-3 group
compared with the placebo group."
The
investigators, noting the epidemic prevalence in depression
in recent decades, sought to examine the nutritional changes
as possible causes for the increase.
The
investigators' report concludes: "In this article we
have reviewed components of an intriguing hypothesis linking
a
dietary contribution to variable rates of mood disorders.
There is now a clear hypothesis linking disorder diathesis
and variation with an identifiable risk factor and allowing
a rational treatment approach. There is great opportunity
for more specific etiological and treatment intervention
studies. Further research into the essential polyunsaturated
fatty acids and their relevance to psychiatric, cardiac,
and more general health areas would benefit from fast tracking
and enhancement of coordinated research endeavors."
The
finding provides one more reason to stop the irresponsible
use of toxic antidepressant drugs in children.
If Omega-3
oil has no adverse effects and a possible benefit, how do
U.S. clinicians justify exposing 1 in 50 children to the
risk of drug-induced suicide?
Indeed,
some practitioners have begun recommending prescribing Omega-3
for children. For example, the Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Clinic at the British Columbia Children's Hospital in Vancouver
recommends typically 1000 mg. for children.
Contact:
Vera Hassner Sharav
Reuters: Depressed Children May Respond to Omega-3 Fatty
Acids
NEW
YORK (Reuters Health) Jun 21 - Treatment with omega-3 fatty
acids appears to have therapeutic benefit for
prepubescent children with major depression, according to
the findings of a pilot study conducted by researchers in
Israel.
The
results of some studies in adults with major depressive
disorder have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids may be
an effective add-on therapy.
However,
the effects of this supplement in prepubescent children
with major depression are unknown, Dr. R. H.
Belmaker, of Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Israel,
and colleagues write.
Dr.
Belmaker's group therefore conducted a controlled, double-blind
trial in which 28 children between the ages of 6 and 12
years old were randomized to omega-3 fatty acids or placebo.
The Children's Depression Rating Scale (CDRS), Children's
Depression Inventory (CDI), and Clinical Global Impression
(CGI) were used to assess the subjects at baseline and throughout
the 16-week trial.
Twenty
children who remained in the study for at least 1 month
were included in the analysis.
Seven
out of 10 children in the active treatment group and none
of the children in the placebo group had a reduction in
CDRS score of more than 50% (p = 0.003). Four children in
the omega-3 group met criteria for remission compared with
none in the placebo group. Results of CDI and CGI scores
also showed significant improvements in the omega-3 group
compared with the placebo group.
No clinically
relevant side effects were reported, according to the report
in the June issue of the American Journal of Psychiatry.
The
omega-3 fatty acid used in the study was "a combination
of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid that is
commonly available as an over-the-counter preparation,"
the researchers note.
Dr.
Belmaker and colleagues conclude that the effects of omega-3
fatty acids are "highly significant." This is
the first such study, they believe, that has been conducted
in children.
Am J
Psychiatry 2006;163:1098-1100.
Reuters Health Information 2006. C 2006 Reuters Ltd.
~~~~~~
American Journal of Psychiatry 163:1098-1100, June 2006
doi: 10.1176/appi.ajp.163.6.1098 C 2006 American Psychiatric
Association
Brief Report
Omega-3 Treatment of Childhood Depression: A Controlled,
Double-Blind Pilot Study Hanah Nemets, M.D., Boris Nemets,
M.D., Alan Apter, M.D., Ziva Bracha, M.D. and R.H. Belmaker,
M.D.
OBJECTIVE:
Major depressive disorder in children may be more common
than previously thought, and its therapeutics
are unclear. Because of success in a previous study on omega-3
fatty acids in adult major depressive disorder, the
authors planned a pilot study of omega-3 fatty acids in
childhood major depression. METHOD: Children who entered
the study were between the ages of 6 and 12. Ratings were
performed at baseline and at 2, 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks using
Children's Depression Rating Scale (CDRS), Children's Depression
Inventory (CDI), and Clinical Global Impression (CGI). Children
were randomized to omega-3 fatty acids or placebo as pharmacologic
monotherapy. Twenty-eight patients were randomized, and
20 completed at least 1 month's ratings.
RESULTS:
Analysis of variance showed highly significant effects of
omega-3 on symptoms using the CDRS, CDI, and
CGI.
CONCLUSIONS:
Omega-3 fatty acids may have therapeutic benefits in childhood
depression.
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