The University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics Department of Psychiatry is conducting a study to determine whether essential fatty acids stored in the body influence response to antidepressants and whether taking a fatty acid supplement with an antidepressant medication helps to improve depression symptoms in patients who suffer from depression.

Jess Fiedorowicz, MD, a fellow associate in the Department of Psychiatry and investigator of the study at UI Hospitals and Clinics, says the study is looking   for individuals, 18 to 55 years of age with diagnosed with depression who are not taking antidepressants or not responding to a stable dose of antidepressant, not currently taking omega 3 supplements, and not actively abusing drugs or alcohol.

"Participants will complete a comprehensive psychiatric interview, neuropsychiatric testing, personality testing, and blood draws for essential fatty acids and genetic markers that may influence treatment," he says. The omega 3 fatty acids will be provided as a supplement in the form of a pill.

"The study consists of two phases. The first phase lasts four weeks during which patients receive the antidepressant escitalopram (Lexapro). Those who don't respond to this medication are then randomly put into one of three groups so that they receive the omega 3 fatty acid or placebo and are followed for an additional six weeks," he says.  

If this study determines that essential fatty acids do play a role in depressive disorders, Fiedorowicz says the next step will be to determine which individuals would most benefit from omega-3 supplementation in pill form.  

For more information, please go to the attached links:

Essential Fatty Acids for Major Depression

Essential Fatty Acids in the Management of Major Depressive Disorder: A Pilot Study

A physician referral is not necessary to participate in the study. Interested subjects may call 888-850-8531.

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