A significant proportion of individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD) do not experience adequate relief from traditional treatments, including medication and psychotherapy, with approximately 20–40% of patients not benefiting sufficiently from these interventions.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Major Depressive Disorder
Previous research led by David Mischoulon, MD PhD, Naoise Mac Giollabhui, PhD, and colleagues from the Depression Clinical Research Program have has shown that omega-3 fatty acids, particularly eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), may have antidepressant effects in individuals with depression, especially those with chronic inflammation. In a study of individuals with depression and markers of high inflammation, treatment with high doses of omega-3 fatty acids was associated not only with a reduction in depressive symptoms but also improvements in cognitive function.
This study contributes to a growing body of research underscoring the importance of inflammation in depression and the potential role of omega-3 fatty acids in mitigating this condition. Studies have demonstrated that higher doses of EPA, specifically 4 grams per day, can effectively reduce depressive symptoms in overweight individuals with elevated inflammatory markers, such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels.
Researchers hypothesize that omega-3 fatty acids may be particularly beneficial for individuals with depression associated with chronic low-grade inflammation, as they can help resolve inflammation through the production of specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators. This anti-inflammatory effect is thought to contribute to the antidepressant properties of omega-3s, although further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms involved.
New Study Will Explore the Antidepressant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Omega-3 Fatty Acids
The association between inflammation and depression underscores the potential for omega-3 fatty acids as an adjunctive treatment for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). By targeting inflammation, omega-3s may enhance the efficacy of traditional antidepressants and improve outcomes for patients who have not responded well to conventional therapies.
To better understand the antidepressant effects of omega-3 fatty acids, Mischoulon and his team are conducting a trial of high-dose omega-3 fatty acids in individuals with major depressive disorder who have not responded adequately to conventional treatments. This study is particularly relevant given the growing consensus that inflammation plays a significant role in the persistence of depressive symptoms in many patients with treatment-resistant depression.
The study will enroll overweight or obese participants aged 18-65 with elevated inflammatory markers who are currently taking an antidepressant and have tried between two and five different antidepressants without achieving significant improvement. (More details about eligibility can be found HERE.)
The clinical trial seeks to determine the impact of omega-3 fatty acids on the production of anti-inflammatory mediators and to correlate these effects with clinical improvements. Specifically, the study aims to answer two key questions:
- Do omega-3 fatty acids, when added to ineffective antidepressant treatment, increase the production of compounds that reduce inflammation?
- Are increases in the levels of these anti-inflammatory compounds associated with stronger antidepressant effects?
Those interested in learning more about this study can learn more at the RALLY website or may contact the research study coordinator, Juliana Peacock, at 617-726-5484 ([email protected]).
Read More
Mischoulon D, Dunlop BW, Kinkead B, Schettler PJ, et al. Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Major Depressive Disorder With High Inflammation: A Randomized Dose-Finding Clinical Trial. J Clin Psychiatry. 2022 Aug 22;83(5):21m14074.
Mac Giollabhui N, Mischoulon D, Dunlop BW, Kinkead B, Schettler PJ, Liu RT, Okereke OI, Lamon-Fava S, Fava M, Rapaport MH. Individuals with depression exhibiting a pro-inflammatory phenotype receiving omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids experience improved motivation-related cognitive function: Preliminary results from a randomized controlled trial. Brain Behav Immun Health. 2023 Jul 7;32:100666.
