Adjunctive pimavanserin shows efficacy in Phase 2 depression trial
Abstract
Omega-3 supplements do little to lower risk of depression, anxiety There has been growing interest in using omega-3 fatty acid supplements to prevent or reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. A systematic review and meta-analysis sought to offer a comprehensive examination of the effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3s, omega-6 fatty acids, and alpha-linolenic acid. The researchers included in their analysis randomized controlled trials of at least 6 months in duration, based on evidence that this is the minimum time required for long-chain omega-3s to reach equilibration in the brain. Some adults in the selected studies had a current or previous diagnosis of depression. Studies compared higher and lower intakes of omega-3, omega-6, or total polyunsaturated fatty acids. Primary outcomes of the selected studies included: risk of depression or anxiety symptoms among participants with no baseline depression or anxiety; severity of depression or anxiety symptoms in participants with or without existing depression; and depression or anxiety severity or relapse in patients with baseline depression. Thirty-two trials were selected for the review, with nearly all of them assessing the effects of omega-3s. Thirteen trials found little or no effect of increasing omega-3s on risk of depressive symptoms. The effects of omega-3s on depression severity and remission risk in participants with depression were determined to be unclear on the basis of low-quality…
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