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After reporting positive results with using omega-3 fatty acids to treat adults with major depressive disorder (MDD), these investigators studied a similar treatment in 28 children with MDD (age range, 6–12 years). Whereas the adult study used a preparation with only eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), the current pilot study in children used capsules that mimic commercially available products.
In this double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, 16-week trial, active treatment consisted of either a 1000-mg capsule daily (providing 400 mg EPA and 200 mg docosahexaenoic acid) or two 500-mg capsules if needed to ease swallowing. Placebo capsules were olive or safflower oil.
Eight children dropped out, none due to side effects. Starting at week 8, the…