Investigating severe forms of major depression across Nordic countries
Official title: A Trans-Nordic Study of Extreme Major Depression
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10823226 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at people with severe depression to find out why some don’t respond to treatment and how their genetics might play a role, all with the goal of helping improve care for those who are really struggling.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | June 10, 2020 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $795,198 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH123724-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10823226 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing extreme major depressive disorder, particularly those with treatment-resistant symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild to moderate depression or those not experiencing significant impairment may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding extreme major depressive disorder (MDD), which affects individuals with the most severe symptoms and poor outcomes. By analyzing a large population over several years, the study aims to identify individuals who experience treatment resistance and significant disability. The research will utilize advanced genetic analysis to explore inherited risk factors associated with extreme MDD. This comprehensive approach seeks to improve clinical predictions and treatment strategies for those suffering from the most debilitating forms of depression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments and interventions for individuals with severe major depression.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying genetic factors associated with major depression, but this study's focus on extreme cases is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sullivan, Patrick F — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Sullivan, Patrick F
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Trans-Nordic look at extreme major depression genetics
A large genetics study is exploring what makes extreme forms of major depression unique, by studying many thousands of people and their DNA.
-
Genetic factors behind alcohol and opioid use disorders and depression in veterans
A study using genetic data from veterans to understand how genes contribute to co-occurring alcohol use, prescription opioid use, and depression.
-
Global Deep Learning effort to predict depression treatment response
A patient-focused project uses AI on brain scans to predict who with major depression will respond to rTMS treatment.
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Understanding immune dysfunction and social stress in veterans with depression
A study in U.S. veterans with major depressive disorder looks at how stress-related immune changes may be linked to depression and heart health.
-
Risk pathways to major depression using big Danish and Swedish data
A large study using health and genetic data from Denmark and Sweden will help understand what genetic and environmental factors contribute to major depression across how people grow up.
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Understanding genetic and environmental pathways to major depression in Nordic health records
A large study will look at how genes and life experiences combine over time to influence major depression, using Danish and Swedish population data.
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.