Brain and genetic tests to predict relapse in depression
Official title: Neurobiological and Genomic Predictors of Relapse After Discontinuation of Antidepressant Treatment in Major Depressive Disorder: An Observational Prospective Study
Run by Uskudar University · NCT07328373 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project will test whether people with major depressive disorder can safely stop antidepressants once their brain and genetic measures look normal.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 204 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Uskudar University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Istanbul) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 1, 2025 |
| Main results expected | October 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | February 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | January 9, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07328373 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are outpatients who meet DSM-5-TR criteria for major depressive disorder, are willing to undergo repeated EEGs and blood draws, and meet the protocol requirement of being drug-free for at least one week when specified.
✕Probably not a fit
People with neurological or other psychiatric comorbidities, hearing loss, significant physical illnesses, or those judged at high risk of relapse are unlikely to benefit from the study's discontinuation guidance.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This is a prospective, healthy-controlled observational case-control study that follows outpatients with major depressive disorder over time while they receive antidepressant treatment. Participants undergo repeated quantitative EEG, event-related potentials (including P300), overnight sleep EEG, standardized Hamilton Depression Rating Scale interviews, and blood draws for genetic analysis at least three times during the treatment period. Results from patients will be compared to healthy control participants to identify neurobiological and genomic patterns linked to relapse after medication discontinuation. The aim is to find objective markers that could guide clinicians about when stopping medication carries lower risk of recurrence.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could help clinicians stop antidepressants sooner for some people while lowering the chances of unexpected relapse.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work has suggested EEG and genetic markers may relate to relapse risk, but findings are mixed and no definitive clinical markers are yet established.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Outpatients * For patients, satisfying Major Depressive Disorder for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR) * Drug-free for at least 1-week Exclusion Criteria: * Any neurological and psychiatric comorbid conditions * Hearing loss * Physical diseases
Where it's running
-
Prof. Dr. Kemal Arıkan's Psychiatry Clinic
Istanbul, Turkey (Türkiye) Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Mehmet Kemal Arıkan, Prof. — Kemal Arikan Psychiatry Clinic
- Study coordinator: Mehmet Kemal Arıkan, Prof.
- Email: mkarikan46@gmail.com
- Phone: +905325555005
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
-
Emotional Reactivity in Severe Alcohol Use Disorder and Depression Using Eye-Tracking and Physiological Measures
This study tests how people with severe alcohol use disorder, major depressive disorder, both conditions, or neither, recognize and react to emotions using eye-tracking and physiological data.
-
Temporally Interfering Electrical Stimulation for Major Depressive Disorder
This study tests whether noninvasive temporally interfering electrical stimulation can help people with major depressive disorder.
-
Affective Cognitive Training for mood disorders and their close relatives
A six-week program combining virtual reality and computer exercises tests whether affective cognitive training helps people with mood disorders and their unaffected first-degree relatives.
-
ALKS 7290 added to antidepressants for adults with major depression
This study tests whether ALKS 7290, taken with current antidepressants, helps adults with major depressive disorder.
-
French Minds: a French, Multimodal Cohort Study of Severe Psychiatric Disorders and Healthy Controls
This study tests whether people with mood, psychotic, or autism disorders can be grouped into more similar subtypes based on social withdrawal and anhedonia, across ages 15 to 60.
-
EEG-Guided TMS for Adults With Depression
This study tests whether delivering intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) timed to brain waves using EEG can improve treatment for adults with major depressive disorder who have not responded to usual antidepressants.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.