Section - Quick Takes

05. Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Supplementation Alleviate Anxiety Rather Than Depressive Symptoms Among First-Diagnosed, Drug-Naïve Major Depressive Disorder Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Published on November 1, 2022 Certification expiration date: November 1, 2028

James Phelps, M.D.

Research Editor - Psychopharmacology Institute

Key Points

Omega-3 fatty acids were not superior to placebo when added to venlafaxine for first-episode depression.
A literature review finds at least 5 meta-analyses of omega-3 efficacy in depression. Results are mixed or where showing clear efficacy, have sometimes been questioned.
A Cochrane meta-analysis found an effect size of 0.4 but noted that this is equivalent to a 2.5 point decrease on the HAM-D, which is less than the minimal clinically important difference.
If omega-3 fatty acids are considered, and more than a placebo effect is sought, they should contain >60% EPA.

To unlock this audio you need to become a Silver, Gold, Silver extended or Gold extended Member.

Check Our CME Program

Downloads for Offline Access

Download Audio File (MP3)

Text version

Hoping that your mind might be inclined to do something similar, let me show you how my mind responded when first looking at this article by Dr. Rong Yang and colleagues. “Oh, look, here’s a randomized trial of omega-3 fatty acids for depression. That’s important because they don’t get enough attention as a logical alternative to antidepressants especially in primary care.” Jumping to the abstract—“Oh, darn, everyone in this randomized trial received venlafaxine. The randomization was to omega-3s or placebo on top of venlafaxine . And these were antidepressant-naïve patients. Why would you go straight to venlafaxine? That’s just too far from routine clinical practice.” But maybe there’s something to learn here, because omega-3s keep coming up as a plausible alternative to antidepressants—well, in my readings anyway.

Hi! Jim Phelps here for the Psychopharmacology Institute. Let’s use the rapid reading approach to this article. Skim down to the juicy figure,

Unlock this Quick Take and earn 0.50 CMEs
Become a Silver, Gold, Silver extended or Gold extended Member.

Get Instant Access

Already have an account? Sign in

Learning Objectives:

After completing this activity, the learner will be able to:

Examine treatment guidelines and a recent meta-analysis regarding the efficacy of lithium as a treatment for bipolar depression in comparison to quetiapine.
Compare the rate of benign rash in patients whose lamotrigine dose was titrated using standard titration rates vs those whose lamotrigine dose was titrated using the slower titration rates.
Evaluate the efficacy of sertraline, relative to placebo, for the treatment of depression in primary care.
Compare the efficacy of antidepressants in the treatment of depression using the concept of minimal clinically important difference (MICD).
Evaluate a randomized trial of omega-3 fatty acids as adjuncts for venlafaxine, as well as meta-analyses of omega-3 efficacy for the treatment of depression and anxiety.

Original Release Date: November 1, 2022

Review and Re-release Date: November 1, 2025

Expiration Date: November 1, 2028

Expert: James Phelps, M.D.

Medical Editor: Melissa Mariano, M.D.

Relevant Financial Disclosures:

None of the faculty, planners, and reviewers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose during the last 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

Instructions for Participation and Credit:

Participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period that is noted above.

Follow these steps to earn CME credit:

View the required educational content provided on this course page.
Complete the Post Activity Evaluation for providing the necessary feedback for continuing accreditation purposes and for the development of future activities. NOTE: Completing the Post Activity Evaluation after the quiz is required to receive the earned credit.
Download your certificate.

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement

Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.5 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.