Dopamine's effect on motivation and motor function in major depression and inflammation
Effects of Pharmacological Dopamine Modulation on Motivation and Motor Function in Major Depression Characterized by Low-grade Inflammation.
This study tests if a medication that boosts dopamine can help improve motivation and movement in people with major depression and inflammation.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 165 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Charite University, Berlin, Germany Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Steglitz) |
| Trial ID | NCT05909267 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
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.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults diagnosed with major depressive disorder who are not currently on antidepressant medication.
Not a fit: Patients with other psychiatric disorders, severe somatic diseases, or those currently on antidepressant medication may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to effective treatments for patients with major depression experiencing inflammation-related symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have explored dopamine's role in depression, but this specific approach focusing on inflammation is relatively novel.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
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 this trial is running
Steglitz
- 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
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.