Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish oils, appear to benefit children suffering from clinical depression. Previous studies in adults with major depressive disorders have suggested that omega-3 fatty acids might be an effective add-on therapy. The researchers from the Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Israel, conducted a trial in which 28 depressed children between the ages of 6 and 12 years old were randomly assigned to omega-3 fatty acids or placebo. Standardised depression scores were used to assess the children at the start of the study and throughout the 16-week trial. Twenty children completed the study. It was found that 7 out of 10 children in the active treatment group and none of the children in the placebo group had a reduction in depression scores of more than 50 percent. Four children in the omega-3 group achieved remission. No clinical relevant side effects were reported. The omega-3 fatty acid supplement used in the study was a combination of eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid that is commonly available as an over-the-counter preparation. The effects of omega-3 fatty acids are highly significant and had therapeutic effects on children with depressive disorders.
American Journal of Psychiatry,
June 2006