Investigating inflammation and glutamate in depressed adolescents
Official title: Inflammatory and Glutamatergic Mechanisms of Sustained Threat in Adolescents With Depression: Toward Predictors of Treatment Response and Clinical Course
Run by University of California, Los Angeles · NCT05329441 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how stress affects inflammation and a brain chemical in teenagers with depression to see if these factors can help predict how well they respond to common antidepressants over time.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Ages | 14 Years to 21 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 160 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of California, Los Angeles Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Los Angeles, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 6, 2023 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2028 |
| Study ends | April 30, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05329441 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adolescents aged 14-21 who meet DSM-V criteria for a depressive disorder and are currently seeking treatment.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with primary mental health diagnoses other than depression or those currently on medications that interfere with the study will not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This project aims to assess 160 treatment-seeking adolescents with depression to understand how acute stress affects inflammation and glutamate levels in the brain. The study will explore whether these biomarkers can predict treatment non-response to SSRIs like fluoxetine or escitalopram over a 12-week period, as well as their impact on the clinical course over 18 months. Using advanced neuroimaging techniques, the research seeks to uncover the neurobiological mechanisms linking inflammation and depression in adolescents.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved treatment strategies for adolescents who do not respond to standard antidepressant therapies.
How similar studies have gone: While the study explores novel mechanisms, previous research has indicated that understanding inflammation's role in depression could lead to significant advancements in treatment.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All sexes and genders * All ethnicities * Ages 14-21 * Postpubertal (Tanner stage \> 3) * No medications that will interfere with the study (including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, hormone supplements, steroids, etc.) for at least 2-6 weeks (depending on exact medication) * Currently being seen by a clinician who will treat the participant with fluoxetine or escitalopram * The ability to provide assent, understand, and complete all study procedures * Caregiver consent (if applicable) Exclusion Criteria: * Primary mental health diagnosis other than a depressive disorder according to DSM-V * Any contraindications to MRI scanning, phlebotomy, or SSRI treatment * Stimulant usage * A concussion within the last 6 weeks or any lifetime concussion with loss of consciousness for at least 10 minutes * Any inflammatory conditions or use of anti-inflammatory medications that may influence study findings * Any major neurological or developmental disorders which could impact the participant's ability to comply with study procedure * Meeting for current or lifetime criteria of mania or psychosis, diagnosis of bipolar disorder, or any substance use disorders * First-degree relative with current, past, or suspected mania or psychosis
Where it's running
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University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tiffany Ho, Ph.D. — University of California, Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Tiffany Ho, Ph.D.
- Email: tiffany.ho@psych.ucla.edu
- Phone: 310-825-2961
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.