Imaging brain activity in patients with depression after COVID-19

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 observational study aims to investigate persistent neuropsychiatric symptoms, specifically major depressive episodes, occurring within three months after mild to moderate COVID-19 infection. Participants will undergo two types of positron emission tomography (PET) scans and one magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to assess brain activity and neurotransmitter function. The study will focus on measuring the binding potential of vesicular monoamine transporter 2 and the distribution volume of synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A in specific brain regions. The findings could provide insights into the neurobiological underpinnings of depression following COVID-19.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* New onset MDE within 3 months after mild or moderate COVID-19, with MDE verified by the research version SCID for DSM 5. See "Positive COVID-19 diagnosis" listed after inclusion/exclusion criteria for a description of how this is determined.
* Age 18 to 75.
* Good general physical health with no active medical conditions based on self-report (except migraine or PASC).

Exclusion Criteria:

* Use of antidepressants in the previous month (6 weeks for fluoxetine).
* Use of stimulant medication affecting dopamine release in the previous month
* Use of antipsychotics in the previous month
* History of neurological disease (except migraine, and PASC) based on self-report
* Use of medications or herbal products or natural health products with central nervous system effects in past 2 weeks based on self-report
* Presence of cigarette smoking in the past two months, based on self-report
* Lifetime diagnosis of severe Substance or Alcohol Use Disorder, or diagnosis of mild to moderate Substance or Alcohol Use Disorder in the past two years, based on self-report and verified by the Research Version of Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 (SCID-5-RV)
* Use of recreational drugs, including marijuana, in the past two months, based on self-report and verified by the Research Version of Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 (SCID-5-RV)
* Positive urine drug or cotinine screen at any timepoint during the study
* History of psychotic symptoms secondary to schizophrenia, schizophreniform, bipolar disorder, or brief psychotic disorder prior to COVID-19, based on self-report and verified by the Research Version of Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual-5 (SCID-5-RV)
* Currently pregnant, based on self-report or positive pregnancy test at any timepoint during the study, in females (in our PET Centre females up to 65 years of age are given a urine pregnancy test prior to every PET scan)
* Breastfeeding (for females)
* Current disorders of coagulation, blood or ongoing use of anticoagulant medication, based on self-report
* Claustrophobia, based on self-report
* Weight over 400lbs and height over 7ft (requirements for fitting in the scanners and hospital gowns)
* Presence of metal implant, object or electrical devices that are contraindicated for MRI, based on self-report
* Severe allergic reaction to alcohol

Where it's running

• Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
  Toronto, Ontario, Canada Recruiting

Study contacts

• Principal investigator: Jeffrey Meyer, M.D., PhD — Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
• Study coordinator: Karida Liu
• Email: liuyuhan0830@gmail.com
• Phone: 416-535-8501

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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.