Identifying biomarkers for depression and suicide in adolescents

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 aims to identify biomarkers related to major depressive disorder and suicidality in adolescents. It will assess the effects of standard depression treatments on both depressive and suicidal behaviors, as well as on specific biomarkers such as microRNAs. Participants will include those diagnosed with major depressive disorder, those experiencing suicidal ideation, and individuals who have recently attempted suicide, alongside non-psychiatric controls. The research seeks to enhance understanding of the links between these conditions to improve future medical and psychiatric care.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

All participants:

1. Physically healthy
2. willing and able to provide informed consent (if under 18 also parent or guardian consent)

MDD participants:

1. A definite diagnosis of DSM-5
2. a Children's Depression Rating Scale-Revised (CDRS-R) score \>=30. Suicidal ideation participants: Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale (C-SSRS) score \>=4 rated over the last two weeks.

Suicide attempt group:

1\. Participants will have had an attempt in the previous two weeks that is serious enough to require medical attention and shows evidence of at least a medium level of intent on the Suicide Intent Scale.

Non-psychiatric controls:

1\. No history of any major mental illness (excluding specific phobia) or substance use disorder.

Exclusion Criteria:

* Exclusion criteria:

  1. Pregnancy or lactation
  2. post-partum state (being within 2 months of delivery or miscarriage);
  3. homicide risk as determined by clinical interview
  4. any of the following DSM-V diagnoses or categories: a) a lifetime history of psychotic disorder; b) alcohol or drug use disorder (except nicotine/caffeine) within the last month; the use of any hallucinogen (except cannabis), including phencyclidine in the last month; c) bipolar disorder; d) pervasive developmental disorder; e) cognitive disorder; f) DSM-5 paranoid, schizoid, or schizotypal personality disorders (PDs) (participants with other PDs will be allowed as long as MDD criteria are met); g) anorexia nervosa.
  5. recent myocardial infarction or unstable angina, active neoplasm in the past 6 months, immunosuppressive or corticosteroid therapy within the last month, chemotherapy, and head injury or loss of consciousness in the past 6 months
  6. use of hallucinogens (except for cannabis), methamphetamine, or cocaine in the last 2 weeks.

Where it's running

• University of Alabama at Birmingham
  Birmingham, Alabama, United States Recruiting
• UAB Huntsville Regional Medical Campus
  Huntsville, Alabama, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Allison Stewart, MA
• Email: allisonstewart@uabmc.edu
• Phone: 256-551-4431

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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.