Clinical trial in the treatment of 80 Iranian patients with major depression disorder by the combination of omega 3 fatty acid and a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Abstract

Objectives: Bipolar disorder type I is a disturbing psychiatric syndrome, which is treated by mood-stabilizing medications, psychosocial intervention and electroconvulsive therapy. As supplementation with omega 3 has been considered effective in the treatment of many diseases especially mental disorders, this study aimed at evaluating the effect of omega 3 with fluvoxamine compared with fluvoxamine alone in the treatment of the deep depression phase in bipolar patients type I. Methods: A total of 80 patients in this clinical trial study were selected using a randomized controlled trial in two case and control groups by a psychiatrist. The case group took fluvoxamine and omega 3 tablets and the control group took only fluvoxamine. Patients completed the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and demographic questionnaire at the beginning of the study and after 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks. Results: The mean scores in the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale in both groups under study after 2, 4, 8, 12 weeks decreased. Statistics showed a significant difference in scores in both groups before the treatment and after mentioned weeks. Conclusions: Since research findings showed the effectiveness of omega 3 and its harmlessness, it is suggested that omega 3 can be prescribed with other antidepressant medications.