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A LITTLE FISH MAY BEAT THE BLUES
A new study reveals that daily supplements of omega-3 fatty acids may help
reduce emotional depression.
The study involved 70 subjects who had not improved with standard antidepressant
medication. Patients continued to take prescribed medications as usual and also
received either a placebo or a 1, 2, or 4 gram dose of omego-3 fatty acids for
12 weeks. Researchers assessed volunteers using the 17-item Hamilton Depression
Rating Scale, the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale and the Beck
Depression Inventory.
Individuals receiving the 1-gram dose outperformed the placebo group in the 3
rating scales. While 69% of the 1-gram dose patients reduced their symptoms of
depression by 50%, only 25% of controls achieved the same results.
Investigators conclude, “Treatment with ethyl-eicosapentaenoate at a dosage of 1
g/d was effective in treating depression in patients who remained depressed
despite adequate standard therapy.”
Archives of General Psychiatry – October 2002;59:913-19.
http://archpsyc.ama-assn.org/
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