L-methylfolate shows promise for major depressive disorder patients

L-methylfolate could help patients who do not respond to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants.

Findings of a clinical trial suggest that adjunctive L-methylfolate could prove effective in treating certain groups of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Experimentation indicates that it could be an alternative for those who are not benefiting from expected outcomes through prescription of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Researchers recruited 75 outpatients with this drug resistance and analysed the effects of a 15 mg per day L-methylfolate treatment against a placebo in a randomised, controlled trial.

Cross-referencing results from the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) showed a significant lessening of symptoms among participants who took L-methylfolate.

Obese patients and those with biomarkers indicating inflammation benefited most substantially, suggesting that the drug will have widespread clinical application.

Psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner Gail Dawson said: "Now we can provide an additional option for people struggling with residual symptoms of depression."

The healthcare expert will present these findings at the American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) National Conference in Las Vegas between June 20th and 22th.