Examining racial disparities in antidepressant treatment after psychiatric consultations

Racial Disparities in Antidepressant Initiation, Titration, and Adherence After Receiving a Psychiatric Consultation

Observational Centre for Addiction and Mental Health · NCT06799078

This study looks at how different racial groups respond to antidepressant treatments after seeing a psychiatrist to see if there are any barriers that make it harder for BIPOC communities to get the help they need.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorCentre for Addiction and Mental Health Academic / other
Locations1 site (Toronto, Ontario)
Trial IDNCT06799078 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates the racial disparities in antidepressant treatment adherence and response among patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder during a psychiatric consultation. It utilizes two online questionnaires, a semi-structured qualitative interview for a subset of participants, and a structured chart review to gather comprehensive data. Participants will be recruited from the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) and will complete the questionnaires and interviews to assess their treatment recommendations and adherence. The study aims to identify barriers faced by BIPOC communities in accessing and adhering to antidepressant treatments.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who have been diagnosed with depression during a psychiatric consultation at CAMH within the last three months.

Not a fit: Patients with a lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, or those in need of immediate clinical attention due to suicidal intent or acute psychosis may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and strategies to enhance antidepressant treatment adherence among racially diverse populations.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically examining racial disparities in antidepressant treatment post-consultation, studies have highlighted disparities in mental health treatment adherence, indicating a need for this investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Able and willing to sign and date the informed consent form
2. Stated willingness to comply with all study procedures
3. Age 18 years and older
4. Diagnosis of depression in a psychiatric consultation at CAMH in the last 3 months
5. Not currently followed by a psychiatrist
6. Able to complete the REDCap questionnaire in English using the internet

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Presence of a life-time diagnosis of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia
2. Potential participants with a suicidal plan or intent whose consulting psychiatrist determined are in need of immediate clinical attention (e.g., referral to CAMH ED, voluntary or involuntary hospitalization)
3. Acute psychosis (e.g., MDD with psychotic features)

Where this trial is running

Toronto, Ontario

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Depression - Major Depressive DisorderDepression Disordersantidepressantconsultationdepressionmajor depressive disorderRace
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.