Methodological consideration in clinical studies of #omega#3 fatty acids in major depression and bipolar disorder

摘要

The major mood disorders can be roughly divided into unipolar major depression and bipolar disorder (also known as manic-depressive illness) [1]. Patients with unipolar illness suffer from one or more episodes of major depression. Major depression is defined as 2 or more weeks of predominantly low mood or diminished interests in one's usual activities, combined with 4 or more of the following symptoms: sleep alteration (either increased or decreased), inappropriate guilt or loss of self-esteem, altered appetite (either increased or decreased), diminished energy, diminished concentration, psychomotor symptoms (either agitation or retardation), and suicidal ideation [2]. A bipolar disorder diagnosis requires one or more episodes of mania (or hypomania). Mania is defined as a distinct change in mood and functioning, lasting at least 1 week, and is characterized by an expansive, euphoric or irritable mood, combined with at least 3 of the following symptoms (4 if mood is only irritable): increased energy, decreased need for sleep, racing or rapid thoughts, pressured (rapid) speech, grandiosity, poor judgement and impulsive behaviors, often with negative consequences (e. g. spending sprees, sexual indiscretion), and in severe cases, psychosis (delusions and/or hallucinations) [2]. Patients with bipolar disorder also often suffer from recurrent bouts of major depressive episodes.