Fish Oil for the Treatment of Depression in Patients With Multiple Sclerosis

Treatment tested

• Omega-3 fatty acids

Placebo or sham

• Placebo

Other measures (1)

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of relapsing-remitting MS * Diagnosis of depressive disorder * Score between 11 and 30 on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) * Score of 25 or greater on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) * Currently taking antidepressant medication for at least 3 months prior to study entry Exclusion Criteria: * Currently taking fatty acid supplements * Consume more than 6 oz of fish per week within 1 month prior to study entry * Severe depression * Suicidal thoughts * Other psychological disorders * Currently taking more than two types of antidepressants * Any serious medical condition that would interfere with the study * Worsening of MS symptoms or corticosteroid treatment within 1 month prior to study entry * Current enrollment in another fish oil study * Pregnancy

This study will determine whether fish oil can reduce depression in people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who are mild to moderately depressed and are currently taking antidepressant medication. Study hypothesis: Three months of fish oil supplementation will improve depression scores on the Montgomery-Asberg depression rating scale (MADRS) or Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) better than placebo.