Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Treatment of Depression in Adolescents (PUFA)

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adolescents between the ages of 13 and 21 currently under standard of care treatment at the Child Division of the Department of Psychiatry at CSMC
2. Diagnosed with major depressive disorder using the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Active suicidal ideation, with a current plan and/ or a recent suicide attempt
2. Severe psychotic symptoms (presence of distressing or common hallucinations and/ or delusions)
3. History of bipolar disorder, eating disorder, schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or autism
4. Potential subjects using psychotropic medication(s), alcohol, and/ or drugs within 2 weeks prior to entry into the study (8 weeks for fluoxetine and MAOIs - monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
5. Pregnant or lactating females, or those who are not using a medically accepted means of contraception (defined as oral contraceptive pill or implant, condom, diaphragm, spermicide, IUD, s/p tubal ligation, partner with vasectomy) and become pregnant
6. Seizure or other neurological disorders
7. Dermatological conditions
8. Unstable cardiac, pulmonary, endocrine, or renal disorder
9. Adolescents who are currently being effectively treated with antidepressants