Chronic Anergic Depression: MRI Exploration in Older Adults
Official title: Identification of Trait Markers Differentiating Late-onset Depression From Early-onset Depression in Chronic Anergic Depression in the Elderly
Run by University Hospital, Strasbourg, France · NCT06663891 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests whether MRI-based brain imaging can help identify a form of late life depression that resists standard antidepressants and may involve the brain's dopaminergic system in people aged 60–89.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 60 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 50 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University Hospital, Strasbourg, France Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Strasbourg, Grand Est) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 17, 2025 |
| Main results expected | February 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | March 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 21, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06663891 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults aged 60–89 with active or remitted anergic depression, classified as early-onset or late-onset, and able to consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Those without anergic depression or with contraindications to MRI may not benefit from this imaging approach.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This interventional study investigates an anergic form of late life depression (AnD) in older adults using functional MRI and EEG during MRI. It builds on prior open-trial data suggesting dopaminergic treatment may help AnD, and aims to link symptoms like adynamia and anhedonia with mesolimbic dopamine system dysfunction. Participants will undergo MRI with EEG and be categorized into early-onset or late-onset depression subgroups based on psychiatric history. Inclusion requires a confirmed AnD diagnosis, age 60–89, consent, and health coverage; exclusion includes MRI contraindications and conditions that could confound results. The study is led by the University Hospital, Strasbourg, with recruitment at Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the study could improve understanding of AnD in older adults and guide personalized imaging-based approaches to tailor treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Previous open-trial findings suggested dopaminergic involvement in AnD, but this MRI-focused exploration is investigational and not yet proven.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patient aged 60 (inclusive) to 90 years (exclusive) * Patient presenting with active or remitted anergic depression according to the operational criteria of the "Chronic Anergic Depression Open Trial" (1) confirmed by two psychiatrists involved in the study: * Early Onset Depression (EOD) group: with at least one history of depression before age 60 * Late Onset Depression (LOD) group: no history of depression before age 60 * Patient able to understand the objectives/risks of the research and give informed consent * Patient affiliated to a health insurance social protection scheme, beneficiary or dependent Exclusion Criteria: * Contraindication to an MRI scan (including claustrophobia)\* * Psychiatric or organic comorbidity that may interfere with the interpretation of results (e.g. neurovascular disease, psychotic disorder, proven neurodegenerative disease) * Concomitant treatment that may interfere with the interpretation of results (e.g. interferons, corticosteroids) * Patient in exclusion period (from a previous or current study) * Current protective measure (curatorship, guardianship) * Patient under legal protection \* presence of non-removable ferromagnetic foreign body, prosthesis, pacemaker, defibrillator, neurostimulation device, medications delivered by an implanted pump, vascular clip or stent, heart valve or ventricular shunt, implanted device incompatible with 3 Tesla MRI exam, claustrophobia, epilepsy
Where it's running
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Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg
Strasbourg, Grand Est, France Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Ludovic DORMEGNY-JEANJEAN Doctor — Department of Physiology and Funtional Explorations at Strasbourg University Hospitals
- Study coordinator: Ludovic DORMEGNY-JEANJEAN Doctor
- Email: l.jeanjean@unistra.fr
- Phone: +33388116921
Similar studies
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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.