Improving treatment for older adults with resistant depression
Official title: Biotype-assigned Augmentation Approach in Resistant late life Depression (BAARD)
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10954667 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new tool to help doctors create better treatment plans for older adults with tough-to-treat depression, using information from past research and personal health details to find the best antidepressant options for each person.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 16, 2024 |
| Project end | September 15, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,370,657 |
| NIH project number | 1UG3MH137353-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10954667 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder who have not responded to initial antidepressant treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild depression or those who have not yet tried any antidepressant medications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance treatment options for older adults suffering from resistant late-life depression by developing a decision support tool called BAARD. The tool will utilize existing clinical trial data and various biological markers to personalize treatment plans, potentially improving the effectiveness of antidepressants. By analyzing data from approximately 700 participants, the research team will refine treatment strategies based on individual characteristics, including genetic and cognitive factors. This approach seeks to address the significant number of older adults who do not respond to standard antidepressant therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatment options for older adults with resistant depression, improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in augmenting antidepressant treatments with additional medications, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nicol, Ginger E — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Nicol, Ginger E
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Biotype-based Personalization of Antidepressant Augmentation in Late-Life Depression
A multi-site study will test a computer-guided approach to choosing the best augmentation option for older adults with treatment-resistant depression.
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.