Role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid in the Management of Major Depressive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Official title:
Role of Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid in the Management of Major Depressive Disorder
Background: Patients with major depressive disorder have prominently been reported to be
related with subnormal polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids levels, importantly low
docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid in plasma and dietary intake. However, more
randomized controlled trials are needed to support its importance in management of
depression.
Objective: To explore polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acid role in major depressive disorder
management.
Materials & Methods: Seventy patients 20 to 40 yeas, who were already diagnosed with
depression and taking antidepressant treatment, were selected at department of psychiatry and
behavioral sciences Kind Edward Medical University Lahore, and assigned into 2 groups, i.e.
Intervention and control, by simple random lottery method. For twelve weeks, intervention
group advised to take one omega-3 (300mg EPA, eicosapentaenoic acid and 200mg DHA
docosahexaenoic acid), or placebo (500 mg corn oil) capsules once daily with meal. Beck
Depression Inventory (BDI) scale was used to assess the depression. Demographic information
was collected by using a structured questionnaire.
Study Design:
12 week Randomized, single blind, placebo-Controlled Trial (RCT) was conducted at King Edward
medical university, psychiatry & behavioral sciences department Lahore. From 19 May 2017 to
16 August 2017 one capsule of omega-3 (EPA 300mg, and 200mg DHA) were given (38, 39), or
placebo (500 mg corn oil) (40).
Data Collection and Evaluation:
Subjects were assessed at the first visit according to inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Information about demographics, dietary habits and risk factors such as age, gender, height,
weight and family history of depression, dietary habits, education levels, marital status,
cigarette smoking, supplementation and sleeping hours were obtained by using a structured
questionnaire in face to face interview in local and easy to understand language. BMI was
calculated by using the equation BMI=kg/m2.
Ethical Approval:
Written approval (Reg.No.Psy/561/17) was taken from the head of psychiatry & behavioral
sciences department, King Edward medical university Lahore. Informed consent had been taken
from all study participants in written form after explaining the procedure of the study.
Guidelines laid out in the Declaration of Helsinki were followed to conduct this study.
Statistical Analysis:
Data was analyzed through SPSS 20.0 with 95% confidence interval. Frequency distribution and
of demographic variables were checked. Chi square test was used to check the relationship
between depression and risk factors. Paired T test was used to analyze the before and after
intervention mean difference. Results were presented in tabular and graphical form.
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