Identifying targets for treating anxiety and depression
Integrins and Protocadherins in Glutamatergic Circuits: Identification of Common Signaling Pathways and Molecular Targets in Anxiety and Major Depressive Disorders (GAPsy)
This study is trying to find biological targets for treating anxiety and depression by looking at the brains of people with these conditions and comparing them to healthy individuals.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 20 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Milan, MI) |
| Trial ID | NCT06167590 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to identify biological targets for treating major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders by recruiting 10 patients diagnosed with anxious-depressive disorder and 10 healthy controls. Participants will undergo structured clinical interviews and psychopathological assessments to evaluate symptom severity. Additionally, a 7T multimodal neuroimaging session will be conducted to analyze brain structure and function. The second part of the study will utilize murine models to investigate the role of specific proteins in glutamatergic transmission.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals aged 18 to 35 with a diagnosis of anxiety-depressive disorder and moderate to severe symptoms.
Not a fit: Patients with other psychiatric conditions or cognitive impairments may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective and safer treatments for patients with anxiety and depression.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is innovative, similar studies have shown promise in identifying biological targets for mental health conditions.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients group: diagnosis of anxiety-depressive disorder based on the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria; age range between 18 and 35 years; age of onset \< 2 years; severe or moderate depression based on scores on the Hamilton Depressive Rating Scale (HAM-D; scores between 14 and 24); severe or moderate anxiety based on scores on the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A; scores between 18 and 30); patients must have both severe/moderate depression and anxiety to be included; ability and willingness to provide informed consent and adhere to study procedures. * Healthy controls group: age range between 18 and 35 years; ability and willingness to provide informed consent and adhere to study procedures. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients group: diagnosis of other Axis I and/or Axis II psychiatric conditions; substance and/or alcohol abuse and/or dependence; tumors or liver disorders; cognitive impairment. * Healthy controls: history of Axis I psychiatric conditions in first-degree relatives; presence of preexisting neurological conditions; substance and/or alcohol abuse and/or dependence; cognitive impairment.
Where this trial is running
Milan, MI
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda - Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico — Milan, Mi, Italy (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Sara Maria Pozzoli, PhD — S. C. Psichiatria - Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico
- Study coordinator: Paolo Brambilla, Professor
- Email: paolo.brambilla@policlinico.mi.it
- Phone: 02 55035982
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.