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Completed

NCT Number: NCT00096798

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

The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of ethyl-eicosapentanoic acid (ethyl-EPA), an omega-3 fatty acid, in treating depression.

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Key information

Conditions

Depressive Disorder Behavior Behavioral Symptoms Depression Mental Disorders Mood Disorders

Age range

18 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Phase 3

Primary location

Massachusetts General Hospital

Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, United States

About this study

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.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Major depressive disorder

Exclusion criteria

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

Treatment and study plan

Ethyl-eicosapentanoic acid (ethyl-EPA)

Drug

Primary outcomes

  1. Alleviation of depressive symptoms

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH)

Nih

Registry information

Official study title

A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Ethyl Eicosapentanoic Acid (Ethyl-EPA) in Major Depressive Disorder

Important dates

Study start
2001
Primary completion
2007
Study completion
2007
First posted
Nov 16, 2004
Registry last updated
Jan 17, 2008

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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