Investigating the effects of citalopram on brain response to emotions

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 explore how the antidepressant citalopram influences the amygdala's response to emotional stimuli by utilizing advanced 7T fMRI technology. Healthy participants will receive either a single dose of citalopram or a placebo and will undergo brain scans while viewing emotional faces. The research focuses on understanding the distinct roles of different amygdala subfields in emotional processing, which may reveal new insights into the mechanisms of antidepressant action. By examining these effects, the study seeks to clarify how serotonin modulation impacts emotional responses in the brain.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Participant is willing and able to give informed consent for participation in the research
* Sufficiently fluent English to understand and complete the task

Exclusion Criteria:

* Participants with ferromagnetic objects in their bodies (e.g. metal implants, vessel clips, shrapnel injuries) or with implanted devices which may be damaged by the magnet (e.g. heart pacemakers)
* Any other MRI contraindication following MRI safety screening
* History or current significant psychiatric illness (like major depressive disorder)
* Current or past diagnosis of any significant personality disorder (e.g. borderline personality disorder) according to self-report
* Diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactive disorder or autistic spectrum disorder that impairs daily functioning, requires pharmacotherapy or in the opinion of the study medic would affect the scientific integrity of the study
* Currently or within last 3 months taking psychoactive medications (requires further discussion with researcher)
* Current or within the last 3 months use of medication that might interact with the effects of citalopram or affect the scientific integrity of the study
* Known contraindication to citalopram including: past allergic reaction to citalopram or any other medicines, diagnosis of a cardiovascular condition, glaucoma, type 1 or type 2 diabetes, diagnosis of epilepsy, previous diagnosis of angle-closure glaucoma, or current use of any other medication whose use interacts with citalopram (according to British National Formulary (BNF) guidance) e.g. associated with prolonged QT-interval
* Any other current or past medical conditions which in the opinion of the study medic may interfere with the safety of the participant or the scientific integrity of the study including epilepsy/seizures, brain injury, hepatic or renal disease, diabetes, severe gastro-intestinal problems, Central Nervous System (CNS) tumours, neurological conditions
* Clinically significant abnormal values for urine drug screen, pulse, and blood pressure measurement (in accordance with Best Practice Guidance 13: 'Non-invasive measurement of blood pressure'). A participant with a clinical abnormality or parameters outside the reference range for the population being studied may be included only if the Investigator considers that the finding is unlikely to introduce additional risk factors and will not interfere with the study procedures
* Current alcohol or substance misuse disorder
* Body Mass Index under 17 and over 35
* Pregnant or planning a pregnancy, or breast feeding
* Previously taken part in a study that used similar computer tasks (MRI faces task, emotional test battery) as those in the present study
* Participation in a study that involves the use of a psychoactive medication or brain stimulation within the last three months
* Use of recreational drugs (e.g. cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines) within last three months
* Smoking \> 5 cigarettes per day, or vape a comparable amount (\> 0.5ml / a quarter of a 2ml vape);
* Typically drinks \> 6 caffeinated drinks per day (e.g. tea, coffee, coca cola, Red Bull)
* Participant is unlikely to comply with the clinical study protocol or is unsuitable for any other reason, in the opinion of the Investigator

Where it's running

• University of Oxford, Department of Psychiatry
  Oxford, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Marieke AG Martens, DPhil
• Email: marieke.martens@psych.ox.ac.uk
• Phone: +441865 618338

Similar studies

Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.

• Testing a new drug for treatment-resistant depression

  This study is testing a new drug called HNK to see if it can help people with treatment-resistant depression feel better when other medications haven't worked.

  Recruiting Phase 2 National Institutes of Health Clinical Center (CC) · Bethesda, Maryland · NCT06511908

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy and exercise training for teenage girls at risk for type 2 diabetes

  This study is testing if cognitive-behavioral therapy, exercise training, or both can help teenage girls at risk for type 2 diabetes improve their health and reduce stress and depression.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Colorado State University · Aurora, Colorado and 1 other locations · NCT05543083

• Metformin added to antidepressants for depression with obesity in Pakistani adults

  This study tests whether adding metformin to antidepressant therapy helps reduce depressive symptoms and BMI in adults with depression and overweight/obesity in Pakistan.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Riphah International University · Rawalpindi, Punjab Province and 1 other locations · NCT07654179

• Mindfulness‑augmented brain stimulation for treatment‑resistant depression

  This trial will test whether combining fast brain stimulation (iTBS) with a digital mindfulness program helps people with treatment‑resistant depression reduce symptoms and improve thinking.

  Recruiting Phase 2 University of California, San Diego · San Diego, California · NCT07512284

• Remotely Delivered Pilates for MS: Walking, Balance, Fatigue, Mood and Quality of Life

  A 16-week remote Pilates program will be tested to see if it helps walking, balance, fatigue, pain, mood, thinking, and quality of life for people with multiple sclerosis who can participate from home.

  Recruiting University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago, Illinois · NCT07504120

• Step-by-step care plan to improve treatment for moderate depression in general practice

  It tests whether a structured step-by-step care plan used by general practitioners works better than usual GP care or psychologist-led behavioral therapy for adults 18–65 with moderate depression.

  Recruiting Aalborg University Hospital · Aalborg · NCT07263321

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.