Omega-3 Supplementation Reduces Recurrent Depression in Elderly: On-site ISSFAL Conference Report (from Stockholm)

The purpose of the present study was to determine if omega-3 supplementation could reduce the recurrence of depression in a geriatric patient population with a history of LLD (late-life depression). For this purpose, 89 patients (aged 60 years and over) with a previous diagnosis of major depressive disorder were randomly assigned to a daily supplement providing 1.8 grams EPA plus 1.3 grams DHA (omega-3 group) or a placebo (ie, with no EPA/DHA) for a period of 48 weeks. The subjects were assessed throughout this period (at 4,8,16,24,32,40.and 48 weeks) for the recurrence of depression based on major depressive episodes (assessed by DSM psychiatric evaluations) and by suicide scoring from the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and by hospitalization due to depression during the study period. After adjusting for confounding factors, the recurrence of depression was reported to be 75 % lower in the EPA/DHA group relative to the placebo (control) group. Minor side effects such as occasional diarrhea were considered tolerable by the presenter (Dr. Chiu).