Investigating brain responses related to depression vulnerability
Brain Markers of Depression Vulnerability: the Case of Prefrontal Haemodynamic Response
This study is testing how brain activity during a speaking task can help understand the risk of depression in people who have recovered from it, those at high risk, and those at low risk.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 35 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hong Kong) |
| Trial ID | NCT05427578 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study utilizes functional near infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) to measure prefrontal brain activation during a verbal fluency task in three groups: individuals with remitted major depression (rMDD), healthy participants at high risk for major depression (HCr), and healthy participants at low risk (HCnr). The aim is to explore the haemodynamic responses in the prefrontal cortex, which may serve as a diagnostic marker for depression vulnerability. By comparing neuroimaging and behavioral outcomes across these groups, the study seeks to elucidate the relationship between brain function and depression risk.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include individuals with remitted major depression, healthy individuals with a family history of depression, and healthy individuals without such a history.
Not a fit: Patients currently diagnosed with psychiatric or neurological disorders will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could provide a reliable imaging marker for identifying individuals at risk for major depression, even in the absence of symptoms.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have indicated the potential of fNIRS in identifying brain dysfunction in major depressive disorder, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Mini-mental state examination (MMSE) \> 24 Exclusion Criteria: * Current diagnosis of psychiatric disorders, such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia, or autism * current or past diagnosis of neurological disorders, such as head injuries, strokes, encephalitis, epilepsy, Parkinson's, or Alzheimer's
Where this trial is running
Hong Kong
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University — Hong Kong, Hong Kong (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Georg S Kranz, PhD — The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
- Study coordinator: Georg S Kranz, PhD
- Email: georg.kranz@polyu.edu.hk
- Phone: 2766
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.