PUFA Augmentation in Treatment of Major Depression

Inclusion Criteria: Meet DSM-IV criteria for current major depression, and have a HAM-D (21 item) score of > 17 Male or female who, if of child-bearing potential, agrees to use effective contraception including the regular use of contraceptive pills, intra-uterine devices, barrier methods or abstinence Age between 18 and 65 Capable of giving informed consent Exclusion Criteria: Diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, schizotypal disorder, psychotic depression or bipolar disorders Current drug or alcohol abuse or dependence, or history of drug or alcohol abuse or dependence within the previous 6 months Unstable medical or neurological conditions that are likely to interfere with the treatment of depression History of allergy to citalopram or ProEPA, finfish or shellfish History of failure of response to citalopram, as documented by an adequate trial of the medication [defined as having been treated with the medication at a dose level typically regarded as adequate (i.e., 40 mg of citalopram per day) for at least 6 weeks] History of seizure disorder Pregnancy Currently on psychotropic medications including antidepressants or neuroleptics Active suicidal ideation or other safety issues determined by the clinician to not be suitable for inclusion in the study Exposure to treatment with fluoxetine or MAOIs in the previous two months Patients on anticoagulant therapy Patients with a dietary intake of > 3.0g total omega-3 PUFA/day at baseline