A narrative review of the efficacy of DHA for treatment of major depressive disorder and treatment and prevention of postnatal depression

Abstract

Objective: To perform a narrative review of the efficacy of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) supplementation as a treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) and as prevention and treatment for postnatal depression (PND). Method: Electronic searches of the following databases were preformed: The Cochrane Library and PubMed, published up to September 2014. The search strategy also included cited reference searching. Study results, methodological, potential flaws and study strengths were assessed. Results: Five studies assessing DHA supplementation in MDD and six for PND were found. Due to heterogeneity of study designs results were difficult to compare. Only one MDD study found a statistically si..