Dopamine's effect on motivation and motor function in major depression and inflammation

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This study investigates how dopamine stimulation affects motivation and motor function in individuals with major depressive disorder and healthy controls, particularly focusing on the role of inflammation. Using a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over design, participants will receive either L-dopa/Carbidopa or a placebo. The research aims to understand the relationship between inflammatory cytokines and dopamine's impact on symptoms like anhedonia and psychomotor retardation. The findings could provide insights into new pharmacologic strategies for treating inflammation-related symptoms in depression.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

For patients with major depressive disorder:

* diagnosis of major depressive disorder according to DSM-5
* free of antidepressant medication

For healthy participants:

* C-reactive protein (CRP): ≤ 1 mg/l
* free of antidepressant medication
* free of any current psychiatric disorder

Exclusion Criteria:

* diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, dementia, and current/past alcohol or drug dependence
* central nervous system diseases
* neurological diseases
* suspicious undiagnosed skin lesions or a history of melanoma
* narrow-angle or wide-angle glaucoma
* bronchial asthma
* history of peptic ulcer disease
* history of seizures
* any severe somatic disease
* current infections or chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatic diseases, inflammatory bowel disease)
* pregnancy / breast-feeding
* class 3 obesity (body mass index of 40 or higher)
* Use of medication containing reserpine (certain antihypertensive agents), tricyclic antidepressants, bon-selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, antiparkinsonian drugs, sympathomimetic drugs, tetrabenazine.

Where it's running

• Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie
  Steglitz, Germany Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Woo Ri Chae, MD MSc — Charite University, Berlin, Germany
• Study coordinator: Woo Ri Chae, MD MSc
• Email: woo-ri.chae@charite.de
• Phone: +49 30 450 517625

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.