Exploring factors affecting depression in Asian and Pacific Islander populations

Studying the Health of Asians to Advance Knowledge, Treatments, and Interventions for Depression (SHAKTI)

This study is trying to understand what factors affect how Asian and Pacific Islander people respond to depression treatment over five years.

Quick facts

• Study type: Observational
• Enrollment: 6000 (estimated)
• Ages: 10 Years and up
• Sex: All
• Sponsor: University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (other)
• Locations: 1 site (Dallas, Texas)
• Trial ID: NCT06002204 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

SHAKTI is a longitudinal observational study that aims to understand the various socio-demographic, lifestyle, clinical, psychological, and neurobiological factors influencing treatment responses in depression among Asian and Pacific Islander participants. Over five years, the study will involve 6,000 participants who will undergo repeated assessments, including questionnaires, biospecimen collection, EEG, and MRI, to gather comprehensive data on their mental health. The goal is to develop predictive models for treatment outcomes and resilience against mood disorders.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 10 years or older who self-identify as Asian or Pacific Islander and have a current or lifetime diagnosis of a mood disorder or are at risk for developing such disorders.

Not a fit: Patients with a history of schizophrenia or chronic psychotic disorders may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies and interventions tailored specifically for Asian and Pacific Islander populations suffering from depression.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies focusing on depression in various populations, this specific approach targeting Asian and Pacific Islander groups is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult or youth aged 10 years or older
2. Self-identify fully or partially as being of Asian or Pacific Islander descent such as: East Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, Southwest Asian, Central Asian, Oceanian, Pacific Islander, Polynesian, Micronesian, Melanesian
3. Have the ability to speak, read, and understand English. The parent(s) or legal guardians of minors must also speak, read and understand English.
4. Have the ability to complete clinical evaluations, neuropsychological testing, and self-report measures.
5. Meet criteria for one of these three groups:

   1. Have a lifetime or a current diagnosis of a mood disorder (such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety) based upon a semi- structured diagnostic interview (must be a non-psychotic depressive disorder)
   2. Be at risk for developing mood disorders
   3. Healthy Control Group

Exclusion Criteria:

1. History of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders or chronic psychotic disorders based upon a semi-structured diagnostic interview.
2. Unable to provide a stable home address and contact information.
3. Has any condition for which, in the opinion of the investigator or designee, study participation would not be in their best interest (including but not limited to cognitive impairment, unstable general medical condition, intoxication, active psychosis) or that could prevent, limit, or confound the protocol-specified assessments.
4. Requires immediate hospitalization for psychiatric disorder or suicidal risk as assessed by a licensed study clinician.

Where this trial is running

Dallas, Texas

• UT Southwestern Medical Center — Dallas, Texas, United States (RECRUITING)

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Madhukar H Trivedi, MD — UT Southwestern
• Study coordinator: Afrida Khurshid, BA

Conditions: Depression, Treatment Resistant Depression, Mood Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Mental Disorders, Bipolar and Related Disorders, Resilience, Asian & Pacific Islanders