Double-blind, controlled trial of inositol treatment of depression.

OBJECTIVE

CSF levels of inositol have been reported to be lower than normal in depressed subjects. The authors administered inositol to depressed patients in a double-blind, controlled trial.

METHOD

Under double-blind conditions, 12 g/day of inositol (N = 13) or placebo (N = 15) was administered to depressed patients for 4 weeks.

RESULTS

The overall improvement in scores on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was significantly greater for inositol than for placebo at week 4. No changes were noted in hematology or in kidney or liver function.

CONCLUSIONS

This may be the first use of the precursor strategy for a second messenger rather than a neurotransmitter in treating depression. Although inositol had a significant antidepressant effect in this study, replication is crucial.