Hello,
Thought this piece of information may be of interest to the list.
A study on omega-3 supplements done by canadian researchers is presented in the news as equivalent to "traditional antidepressants" (http://www.radio-canada.ca/nouvelles/sante/2010/06/21/002-depression-omega.shtml)
The study in fact shows that omega-3 supp., as compared to placebo, when added to the treatment of depressive patients (already on antidepressants or psychotherapy for many of them...) is probably equivalent to placebo... They then go on to find a subgroup that may have a better response to omega-3 supp. and conclude with "however there was a clear benefit of omega-3 supplementation among patients with MDE without comorbid anxiety disorders". There were 113 and 115 patients in both groups (52,8%) suffering from "any comorbid anxiety" ... On top of that, sample size was reevaluated during this 4 year study that ended in 2009 and was only published ahead of print on june 15th.
Ben Goldacre would love this!!
You can find the study in the journal of clinical psychiatry, just can't believe the study was accepted for publication ! (yes I know positive and negative trials need to be published...)
The link : http://article.psychiatrist.com/dao_1-login.asp?ID=10006935&RSID=106271376568809
I have the PDF if anyone is interested. This may be a good study for teaching purposes!
Enjoy,
Jean Levasseur MD, MSc
Joliette, QC, Canada
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