OBJECTIVE:Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 10-15% of mothers. Omega-3 fatty acids are an intriguing potential treatment for PPD. METHOD: The efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids for PPD was assessed in an 8-week dose-ranging trial. Subjects were randomized to 0.5 g/day (n = 6), 1.4 g/day (n = 3), or 2.8 g/day (n = 7). RESULTS: Across groups, pretreatment Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) mean scores were 18.1 and 19.1 respectively; post-treatment mean scores were 9.3 and 10.0. Percent decreases on the EPDS and HRSD were 51.5% and 48.8%, respectively; changes from baseline were significant within each group and when combining groups. Groups did not significantly differ in pre- or post-test scores, or change in scores. The treatment was well tolerated. CONCLUSION: This study was limited by small sample size and lack of placebo group. However, these results support further study of omega-3 fatty acids as a treatment for PPD.
RCT Entities:
OBJECTIVE:Postpartum depression (PPD) affects 10-15% of mothers. Omega-3 fatty acids are an intriguing potential treatment for PPD. METHOD: The efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids for PPD was assessed in an 8-week dose-ranging trial. Subjects were randomized to 0.5 g/day (n = 6), 1.4 g/day (n = 3), or 2.8 g/day (n = 7). RESULTS: Across groups, pretreatment Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) mean scores were 18.1 and 19.1 respectively; post-treatment mean scores were 9.3 and 10.0. Percent decreases on the EPDS and HRSD were 51.5% and 48.8%, respectively; changes from baseline were significant within each group and when combining groups. Groups did not significantly differ in pre- or post-test scores, or change in scores. The treatment was well tolerated. CONCLUSION: This study was limited by small sample size and lack of placebo group. However, these results support further study of omega-3 fatty acids as a treatment for PPD.
Authors: Ellen L Mozurkewich; Chelsea M Clinton; Julie L Chilimigras; Susan E Hamilton; Lucy J Allbaugh; Deborah R Berman; Sheila M Marcus; Vivian C Romero; Marjorie C Treadwell; Kristie L Keeton; Anjel M Vahratian; Ronald M Schrader; Jianwei Ren; Zora Djuric Journal: Am J Obstet Gynecol Date: 2013-04 Impact factor: 8.661
Authors: Paul F Davis; Marlies K Ozias; Susan E Carlson; Gregory A Reed; Michelle K Winter; Kenneth E McCarson; Beth Levant Journal: Nutr Neurosci Date: 2010-08 Impact factor: 4.994