Omega 3, Depression & Children (2006)
This study investigated omega 3, depression & children. Antidepressant medication is not recommended for children due to concerns over adverse side effects. In this pilot study of omega-3 fatty acids in children with major depression, 28 children aged between 6 and 12 years old were assessed using the Children’s Depression Rating Scale (CDRS), Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), and Clinical Global Impression (CGI). Children were given either omega-3 fatty acids or sugar pills (placebo) for up to 16 weeks. Analysis of the results showed highly significant benefits of omega-3 versus placebo, on symptoms measured by the CDRS, CDI, and CGI rating scales.
H Nemets et al ‘Omega-3 Treatment of Childhood Depression: A Controlled, Double-Blind Pilot Study’. Am J Psychiatry 2006; 163:1098–1100