S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) as antidepressant: meta-analysis of clinical studies.

Abstract

INTRODUCTION:

S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) is a naturally-occurring substance which is a major source of methyl groups in the brain.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

We conducted a meta-analysis of the studies on SAMe to assess the efficacy of this compound in the treatment of depression compared with placebo and standard tricyclic antidepressants.

RESULTS:

Our meta-analysis showed a greater response rate with SAMe when compared with placebo, with a global effect size ranging from 17% to 38% depending on the definition of response, and an antidepressant effect comparable with that of standard tricyclic antidepressants.

CONCLUSION:

The efficacy of SAMe in treating depressive syndromes and disorders is superior with that of placebo and comparable to that of standard tricyclic antidepressants. Since SAMe is a naturally occurring compound with relatively few side-effects, it is a potentially important treatment for depression.

• Authors: G M Bressa
• Journal: Acta neurologica Scandinavica. Supplementum (Acta Neurol Scand Suppl) Vol. 154 Pg. 7-14 ( 1994) ISSN: 0065-1427 [Print] Denmark
• PMID: 7941964 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Meta-Analysis)

Chemical References

• Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic
• Placebos
• S-Adenosylmethionine

Topics

• Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Clinical Trials as Topic
• Depressive Disorder (drug therapy, psychology)
• Double-Blind Method
• Humans
• Placebos
• Prospective Studies
• S-Adenosylmethionine (administration & dosage, pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Treatment Outcome