About the Study

Attention! Have you or someone you love attempted suicide?

We are now recruiting people with depression to participate in a research study that investigates the effects of omega-3 fatty acids on brain functioning in people with  depression.

You may be able to help our efforts by participating in an NIH-funded research study.

At MIND (the Molecular Imaging & Neuropathology Division of the New York State Psychiatric Institute) we are enthusiastic about recent research that indicates omega-3 fatty acids, an all-natural dietary supplement derived from cold-water fish, can impact brain functioning and may possibly ease symptoms of depression.

We are adding to the current research in the field by conducting an NIH-funded research study which seeks to understand the effects of omega-3 fatty acid on the brain using sophisticated brain imaging techniques. This research study is one of the first of its kind to measure brain activity in conjunction with omega-3 supplements.

If you have previously attempted suicide and live in New York metropolitan area, you may be eligible to participate in this scientific research study.

How this scientific research study works:

This research study takes pictures of your brain using brain imaging technology (MRI and PET scans) to study the effects of Omega-3 fatty acids on brain activity. We are comparing how these compounds change the function of the brain in people with and without depression.

If you are suffering from depression and are eligible to participate in the research study, you will take part in these activities:

  • You will receive a free medical and psychiatric evaluation.
  • Your brain function will be measured using a PET or MRI brain scan.
  • You will take Omega-3 fatty acid supplements for six weeks (supplements are provided FREE to participants).
  • You will meet with a Columbia University psychiatrist regularly to monitor your progress.
  • After six weeks, your brain will be scanned again for comparison purposes.
  • After completing six weeks of fish oil supplements, you have the option of receiving another 18 weeks of FREE treatment with a Columbia Presbyterian physician using conventional medications.

Benefits to the participant

If eligible, you will receive: a free health evaluation, up to six months of out patient psychiatric treatment at the New York State Psychiatric Institute, AND $300 compensation.

Each eligible participant receives the following FREE services:

  • A thorough psychiatric evaluation to properly diagnose your mood disorder
  • A medical evaluation and assessment of thyroid, liver and kidney function, electrolytes, blood count, and cholesterol
  • Two MRI brain scans evaluated by a neuroradiologist
  • Six weeks worth of all-natural fish oil supplements (followed by conventional treatment for 18 weeks if you desire)
  • A total of six months of medication treatment with Columbia Presbyterian doctors

PLUS $300 in compensation for your time

AND

The satisfaction of knowing that you are contributing to the scientific understanding of depression.

Eligibility

Can you answer “YES” to all these questions?

  • Are you currently feeling depressed?
  • Have you ever attempted suicide?
  • Are you age 18 to 55 with no major medical illness?
  • Do you take aspirin or pain relievers only occasionally (or never)?
  • Can you eat fish without having any allergic reactions?
  • If you are on medications, have you completed at least 6 weeks of treatment?
  • If you are already on medications, are you willing to stay on the same medicine and dose throughout the six weeks of fish oil supplementation?
  • If you are not on medications, are you willing to stay off medicine throughout the six week treatment period?

If you answered “YES” to all of the above questions, you may be eligible to participate in this scientific research study.

Want to learn more?

We know your time is valuable, so our researchers will help you find out if you are eligible for this research study over the phone. If this research study is appropriate for you, you will be invited to come in for an in-person appointment.

All information will be kept strictly confidential. Please contact Katherin by telephone at (212) 543-5834 or by email today.

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Please note: No compensation is offered for either the telephone screening or the in-person visit. You must be enrolled in the research study to receive the compensation of $300, psychiatric and medical evaluations, diagnostic blood work, and professional treatment.

If you are eligible for the research study, we will explain all procedures, risks, and benefits of the research study and your rights as a research participant.

If you are not eligible for this research study, you may still be eligible for another study at Columbia University. We will refer you to other study resources.

Fish Oil and Depression

A number of scientific studies reveal that omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in certain cold-water fish, play an important role in the proper functioning of the human brain, and that people with depression tend to have lower levels of omega-3 in their bodies...[Learn More]

About Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Omega-3 fatty acids are one type of “essential” dietary fatty acids. This means that the human body needs them for health but cannot make them. We must get these compounds through the foods we eat...[Learn More]

Scientific Research

The lead researcher, M. Elizabeth Sublette, MD, PhD, has authored several articles on the topic of fatty acids and mood disorders...[Learn More]