PUFA Augmentation in Treatment of Major Depression

The purpose of this study is to determine if omega-3 fatty acid EPA will enhance and speed up response to antidepressant therapy with Celexa (Citalopram) in people suffering from Major Depressive Disorder. All patients will receive Celexa, 50% will receive EPA, 50% placebo EPA.

The purpose of this study is to determine if omega-3 fatty acid EPA will enhance and speed up response to antidepressant therapy with Celexa (Citalopram) in people suffering from Major Depressive Disorder. All patients will receive Celexa, 50% will receive EPA, 50% placebo EPA. Condition:- Major depression Study Type: InterventionalStudy Design: Treatment, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo Control, Parallel Assignment, Efficacy Study Eligibility Ages Eligible for Study: 18 Years – 65 Years, Genders Eligible for Study: Both Criteria Inclusion criteria:Meets DSM-IV criteria for major depression AND have a HAM-D score reduction of <50% after 8 weeks of citalopram treatment; Agrees to use reliable contraception if of child-bearing potential of either gender; Age 18-65 inclusive; Capable of giving informed consent; Show a decrease in HAM-D scores of <50% after 8 weeks of open-label citalopram treatment of 20-60 mg QD. Exclusion CriteriaConcurrent diagnosis of:Schizophrenia; Schizoform/Schizoaffective disorder; Psychotic depression; Bipolar disorders; Current drug or alcohol abuse or dependence, or hx of either in past 6 mos; Any unstable medical/neurological conditions likely to interfere with depression treatment; Hx of citalopram or EPA allergy; Hx of seizure D/O; Current pregnancy; Currently on psychotropic medications including neuroleptics or antidepressants (except citalopram); Active suicidal ideation or other safety issues that would be candidate unsuitable; Subjects on anticoagulant therapy; Subjects with dietary intake of >3.0g total omega-3 PUFA QD at baseline. Expected Total Enrollment: 34[1] Cedars-Sinai Medical Center Dept. of Psychiatry, Los Angeles, California, 90048, United States