Folic Acid in the Treatment of Depression: An Evidence-Based Review Ácido Fólico no Tratamento da Depressão: Uma Revisão Baseada na Evidência

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Depression causes disability and mortality and it is a frequent reason for medical consultation. Studies have suggested a relationship between low folate levels and a risk for major depressive disorders. The objective of the present review is to determine the level of evidence of folic acid prescription in the treatment of adult depression.
METHODOLOGY: A bibliographic search was conducted in data bases of studies published in the last 7 years using the terms MeSH: “Folic Acid” and “Depression”. In order to stratify the level of evidence and the strength of recommendation, the SORT scale was used.
RESULTS: Eleven articles were selected, including 6 randomized controlled clinical trials, 3 systematic reviews and 2 meta-analysis.
CONCLUSION: This review concludes that folic acid may have some effect on the adjuvant treatment of depression, but current evidence does not allow the recommendation of its routine prescription in depressive disorder (level of evidence 1, strength of recommendation A).