Personalized treatment for depression using therapy and medication
Personalized Indications for Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Antidepressants in the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder
This study is testing whether matching people with depression to the right treatment—either therapy or medication—can help them feel better when other treatments haven't worked.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 4 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Nova Scotia Health Authority Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Halifax, Nova Scotia) |
| Trial ID | NCT02752542 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to improve treatment outcomes for individuals with Major Depressive Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder by identifying which patients are more likely to benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) versus antidepressant medication. By utilizing clinical predictors and biomarkers, the researchers hope to match patients with the most effective treatment modality for their specific symptoms and history. The study will involve participants who have been diagnosed with depression and have not responded adequately to previous treatments. The goal is to enhance remission rates and reduce the burden of depression.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder or Persistent Depressive Disorder who have not achieved remission with prior treatments.
Not a fit: Patients with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or those currently using drugs or alcohol may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective and personalized treatment options for patients suffering from depression.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using personalized approaches to treatment for depression, indicating that this method could be a meaningful advancement in the field.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * a diagnosis of MDD or PDD established with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 (SCID-5), and depression being the primary problem requiring clinical attention (judgement of intake clinician). * a minimum current severity of 14 on the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD-17) * a cumulative duration of depression of at least two months (this will exclude short-lasting first depressive episodes that do not require treatment of this intensity), age 18 or more (no upper limit) * capacity to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria * lifetime diagnosis of bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, or current alcohol or drug use disorder * pregnancy * recent receipt of adequate trial of psychological treatment (10 or more sessions in the past 12 months) * recently introduced antidepressant medication (new antidepressant in past 12 weeks or dose increase in the past 6 weeks) * previous non-response to two or more of study medications * acute suicide risk (MADRS suicide item≥4) * current psychotic symptoms.
Where this trial is running
Halifax, Nova Scotia
- Nova Scotia Health Authority — Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Rudolf Uher, MD, PhD — Nova Scotia Health Authority
- Study coordinator: Rudolf Uher, MD, PhD
- Email: rudolf.uher@nshealth.ca
- Phone: 1-902-473-7209
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.