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Archive for March, 2011

More research hot off the press: Menopause, depression & omega 3 supplementation

Posted by: Dr Janelle Sinclair | Comments (0)
Thursday, March 10th, 2011

As a researcher I like to keep up with all of the latest studies of nutritional medicine in mental health, and this weeks not an exception.

What’s this study show?

You’ll find below a study which shows that in menopause women, omega 3 can help up to 70% of those with depression. This can happen in as little as 8 weeks! It’s quite astounding. Check it out below.

How can you get some omega 3 supplementation (at the right dose)?

I’ll have a blog post soon that will tell you the right doses of omega 3 for depression and what brand I use with patients that you can get for yourself. My book also provides you with the information you need, and you can get it here.

Omega 3 supplementation can help you break free from depression. It’s not the only natural supplement that can help- if you want to find out about other alternatives download my free report by visiting www.breakingfreefromdepression.com/free-report.

All the best. Talk to you again soon.

Janelle

Dr Janelle Sinclair

Omega-3 fatty acids for major depressive disorder associated with the menopausal transition: a preliminary open trial.

Menopause. 2011 Mar;18(3):279-84.

Freeman MP, Hibbeln JR, Silver M, Hirschberg AM, Wang B, Yule AM, Petrillo LF, Pascuillo E, Economou NI, Joffe H, Cohen LS.

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: : We sought to obtain preliminary data regarding the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids for major depressive disorder associated with the menopausal transition. Secondary outcomes were assessed for vasomotor symptoms (or hot flashes).

METHODS: : After a single-blind placebo lead-in, participants received 8 weeks of treatment with open-label omega-3 fatty acid capsules (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, 2 g/d). The Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) was the primary outcome measure. Hot flashes were monitored prospectively using daily diaries and the Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale. Blood samples for plasma pretreatment and posttreatment essential fatty acid assays were obtained. Because of the small sample size, data were analyzed using nonparametric techniques.

RESULTS: : Of 20 participants treated with omega-3 fatty acids, 19 (95%) completed the study. None discontinued because of adverse effects. The pretreatment and final mean MADRS scores were 24.2 and 10.7, respectively, reflecting a significant decrease in MADRS scores (P < 0.0001). The response rate was 70% (MADRS score decrease of ?50%), and the remission rate was 45% (final MADRS score of ?7). Responders had significantly lower pretreatment docosahexaenoic acid levels than nonresponders did (P = 0.03). Hot flashes were present in 15 (75%) participants. Among those with hot flashes at baseline, the number of hot flashes per day improved significantly from baseline (P = 0.02) and Hot Flash Related Daily Interference Scale scores decreased significantly (P = 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS: : These data support further study of omega-3 fatty acids for major depressive disorder and hot flashes in women during the menopausal transition.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21037490

Categories : Biochemical Causes of Depression, Nutrient Deficiencies
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Recent research: Omega 3 as good as anti-depressant drugs

Posted by: Dr Janelle Sinclair | Comments (0)
Saturday, March 5th, 2011

Hi there.

As promised I’m reviewing some of the latest research on omega 3 deficiency and mental health.

Check out the Research

Check out this research, it shows that a special form of omega 3 is just as good as the medication fluoxetine. It shows that 50% of those with depression respond to omega 3, and that omega 3 improves anti-depressant drugs too.

It is only a small study, but because omega 3 is natural, a part of a good normal diet, and has no side-effects- I think all people that suffer from depression should at least try this supplement (at the right doses).

In a few blog posts time, I’ll provide you with the right doses for omega 3 in depression. Alternatively you can find out about more about omega 3, it’s symptoms, the research in depression, and what forms and doses to take of omega 3 in my new book. Check it out here.

Comparison of therapeutic effects of omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid and fluoxetine, separately and in combination, in major depressive disorder.

Jazayeri S et al.

Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2008 Mar;42(3):192-8.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare therapeutic effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), fluoxetine and a combination of them in major depression.

METHOD: Sixty outpatients with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder based on DSM-IV criteria and a score >or=15 in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were randomly allocated to receive daily either 1000 mg EPA or 20 mg fluoxetine, or their combination for 8 weeks. Double dummy technique was used to double blind the study. Patients were assessed at 2 week intervals. Change in HDRS was the primary outcome measure.

RESULTS: Analysis of covariance for HDRS at week 8 across treatment groups was performed in 48 patients who completed at least 4 weeks of the study, with the last observation carried forward. Treatment, age of onset and baseline HDRS had a significant effect on HDRS at week 8. EPA + fluoxetine combination was significantly better than fluoxetine or EPA alone from the fourth week of treatment. Fluoxetine and EPA appear to be equally effective in controlling depressive symptoms. Response rates (>or=50% decrease in baseline HDRS) were 50%, 56% and 81% in the fluoxetine, EPA and combination groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: In the present 8 week trial EPA and fluoxetine had equal therapeutic effects in major depressive disorder. EPA + fluoxetine combination was superior to either of them alone.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=18247193

Aust N Z J Psychiatry. 2008 Mar;42(3):192-8.

Comparison of therapeutic effects of omega-3 fatty acid eicosapentaenoic acid and fluoxetine, separately and in combination, in major depressive disorder.

Jazayeri S, Tehrani-Doost M, Keshavarz SA, Hosseini M, Djazayery A, Amini H, Jalali M, Peet M.

Department of Nutrition and Biochemistry, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To compare therapeutic effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), fluoxetine and a combination of them in major depression.

METHOD: Sixty outpatients with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder based on DSM-IV criteria and a score >or=15 in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) were randomly allocated to receive daily either 1000 mg EPA or 20 mg fluoxetine, or their combination for 8 weeks. Double dummy technique was used to double blind the study. Patients were assessed at 2 week intervals. Change in HDRS was the primary outcome measure.

RESULTS: Analysis of covariance for HDRS at week 8 across treatment groups was performed in 48 patients who completed at least 4 weeks of the study, with the last observation carried forward. Treatment, age of onset and baseline HDRS had a significant effect on HDRS at week 8. EPA + fluoxetine combination was significantly better than fluoxetine or EPA alone from the fourth week of treatment. Fluoxetine and EPA appear to be equally effective in controlling depressive symptoms. Response rates (>or=50% decrease in baseline HDRS) were 50%, 56% and 81% in the fluoxetine, EPA and combination groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS: In the present 8 week trial EPA and fluoxetine had equal therapeutic effects in major depressive disorder. EPA + fluoxetine combination was superior to either of them alone.

Categories : Depression
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