Efficacy of Docosahexaenoic Acid on Tardive Dyskinesia (NCT00621634) | Clinical Trial Compass
WithdrawnPhase 2
Efficacy of Docosahexaenoic Acid on Tardive Dyskinesia
Stopped: Study products withdrawn from market.
Canada0Started 2008-02
Plain-language summary
Tardive dyskinesia (TD) is a well-known complication of antipsychotic drug therapy in individuals treated for mental disorders such as schizophrenia. It typically consists of purposeless, involuntary movements involving the mouth area or the trunk and limb muscles, occurring within months or years of drug use. The annual incidence of TD in the population treated with antipsychotic drugs is between 1-5%, but the risk is 5-fold greater in older individuals. Once triggered, TD is often irreversible and untreatable. Its cause is unknown, but an imbalance between chaotic mechanisms triggered by the drugs and natural protective factors fighting against these may provide an explanation. One way to activate this protective response is to supplement the diet with high doses of essential fatty acids of the omega-3 class, which constitute a critical component of nerve cell membranes. Using this strategy, one research team showed a 50% reduction in the severity of TD-like movements in mice treated with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). We hypothesize that DHA supplements can do the same in patients living with schizophrenia displaying TD movements. Forty (40) subjects between 30-75 years of age will be recruited. The participants will be randomized and equally distributed in two groups to take either DHA capsules (3 grams a day) or matching placebo for 12 weeks, after providing informed consent, and TD will be measured with a magnetic tracker system and clinical scales. The finding of a beneficial effect with DHA against TD would improve the quality of life for thousands of patients under long-term antipsychotic drug treatment.
Who can participate
Age range
30 Years – 75 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:
* patients under long-term antipsychotic drug treatment, stable for at least 3 months before study entry;
* presence of tardive dyskinesia following Schooler-Kane research criteria (mild intensity (2/4 points) in at least two body segments, or moderate intensity (3∕4 points) for at least one body segment);
* patients capable to understand the goals and procedures of the study, and to provide informed consent;
* women of childbearing age will be requested to use an effective contraceptive method throughout the study.
Exclusion Criteria:
* subjects with medical conditions susceptible to significantly increase the risk of adverse effects, or to interfere with the conduct of the study; in particular, those with coronary artery disease treated with clopidogrel, coagulation disorders, or hemorrhagic conditions;
* those regularly taking anticoagulants or certain triglyceride-lowering agents;
* those intolerant or allergic to fish, seafood, or any other substance contained in the study medication or matching placebo;
* those who have abused illegal street drugs during the past year;
* those unlikely to comply with the study requirements;
* those who consume natural health products of marine or vegetable source, containing omega-3 essential fatty acids;
* women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
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.