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

Phase 3

Completed

• Conditions: Depressive Disorder; Depression

• Registration Number: NCT00096798
• Lead Sponsor: National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

Brief 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.

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.

Study Timeline

• Study Start: 2001-09
• Study First Submitted: 2004-11-15
• Study First Submitted QC: 2004-11-15
• Study First Posted: 2004-11-16
• Primary Completion: 2007-08
• Study Completion: 2007-08
• Status Verified: 2008-01
• Last Update Submitted: 2008-01-15
• Last Update Posted: 2008-01-17

Recruitment & Eligibility

• Status: COMPLETED
• Sex: All
• Target Recruitment: 80

Inclusion Criteria

• Major depressive disorder

Exclusion Criteria

• Serious comorbid psychiatric disorder
• Unstable medical illness
• Prior use of any omega-3 fatty acid product

Study & Design

• Study Type: INTERVENTIONAL
• Study Design: PARALLEL

Primary Outcome Measures

Name	Time	Method
Alleviation of depressive symptoms

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Massachusetts General Hospital; 🇺🇸 Boston, Massachusetts, United States