CompletedPhase 1/2

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

United States39 participantsStarted 2005-07

Plain-language summary

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.

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years – 85 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

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

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)

Timeframe: baseline to 3 months

Trial details

NCT IDNCT00122954

SponsorOregon Health and Science University

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2009-06

Results submitted2013-11-25

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Multiple Sclerosis trials