Anti-inflammatory Drugs Show Promise for Depression Treatment

By Amy Orciari Herman

Edited by David G. Fairchild, MD, MPH, and Jaye Elizabeth Hefner, MD

Anti-inflammatory agents might help treat major depressive disorder (MDD), according to a meta-analysis in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry.

The analysis included roughly 30 randomized trials that compared anti-inflammatory agents with placebo as monotherapy or add-on treatment for MDD in over 1600 adults. About half the studies looked at omega-3s, while the remainder examined celecoxib, statins, minocycline, modafinil, pioglitazone, and N-acetylcysteine.

Overall, the primary outcome — change in depression scores from baseline to follow-up — significantly favored anti-inflammatory agents over placebo. Response and remission rates also favored anti-inflammatories. In subanalyses, celecoxib, omega-3 fatty acids, statins, and minocycline showed significant benefits, while data for the other drugs were limited. Adjunctive treatment with anti-inflammatories seemed more efficacious than monotherapy.

The researchers conclude: "Anti-inflammatory agents show promising effects for MDD. However, owing to the chronic course of MDD, quality of life and adverse effects should be further investigated."