Children suffering from depression show significant improvement after treatment with omega 3 fatty acids for 16 weeks. The results from a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry this June support evidence from previous studies that showed clinical benefit in adults with depression.
More children are being diagnosed with depression than ever before. Current treatment includes counseling and antidepressant medications. But recent discoveries show that antidepressants can increase the risk of suicide in children. Researchers are looking for safer alternatives for this population that can include children as young as 5 years old.
Omega 3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, that are found in high amounts in fish oils have been shown repeatedly in adult trials to improve psychological conditions such as major depression and bi-polar disorder. Investigators in Israel wanted to test the treatment in children age 6-12 years. A small pilot study measured effects on several standardized depression scales over a treatment period of 16 weeks. A total of 20 children were included in the analysis.
Improvement was noted on every psychological scale including the Children's Depression Rating Scale and Clinical Global Impression for those randomized to the omega 3 fatty acid group. 70% of the children in the EPA and DHA group had a greater than 50% reduction in depression scores compared to no reduction in the placebo group. Clinical remission was attained by four children in the omega 3 fatty acid group and none from placebo group.
This is the first study to show an effect in children and the results were more significant than those reported in adults. There are no clinical side effects to taking omega 3 fatty acids and the treatment may improve several other health conditions that can be present in children.
Omega 3 fatty acids have also been proven an effective treatment for allergies, asthma, ezcema, and other inflammatory condtions. Omega 3 fatty acids also support brain development and boost the immune system. They protect against the development of heart disease and raise the good cholesterol while lowering the bad.
Posted by Dr. Christina Gutierrez on June 30, 2006 09:54 PM
