Using Near Infrared Spectroscopy to Assess Depression
Clinical Testing of Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) for Quantitative Assessment of Depression
This study is trying to see if a new way of measuring blood flow in the brain can help tell how severe depression is in people who have it compared to those who don't.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 90 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of California, San Francisco Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (San Francisco, California) |
| Trial ID | NCT04061148 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to develop a testing protocol using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) to assess and distinguish the symptoms and severity of Major Depressive Disorder. Participants will undergo repeated measures, with up to five visits, comparing patients diagnosed with depression to control subjects who are not depressed. The NIRSIT device will measure frontal lobe blood flow and oxygen saturation non-invasively, providing insights into the physiological aspects of depression. The goal is to create a reliable diagnostic tool that can be used in clinical settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates include adults over 18 years old diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder who are receiving clinical therapy.
Not a fit: Patients with psychotic disorders, major neurocognitive disorders, or those not receiving clinical therapy for depression may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more accurate and objective assessments of depression, improving diagnosis and treatment strategies.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies utilizing Near Infrared Spectroscopy in cognitive and psychiatric assessments have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * All subjects who sign informed consent. * Controls: Volunteers over 18 years of age who are not depressed. * Patients over 18 years of age with a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder, receiving clinical therapy at SFVAMC. Exclusion Criteria: * Subjects who cannot sign informed consent. * Exclusion criteria for control subjects: 1.Depression 2.Anxiety, psychotic, substance abuse, mood and personality disorders 3.Major neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and other dementias 4.Neurologic disorders with anatomic lesions including traumatic brain injury, stroke, tumor and arteriovenous malformation * Exclusion criteria for depressed patients: 1.Psychotic disorders like schizophrenia 2.Major neurocognitive disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and other dementias 3.Neurologic disorders with anatomic lesions including traumatic brain injury, stroke, tumor and arteriovenous malformation 4.Not receiving clinical therapy for depression at SFVAMC'
Where this trial is running
San Francisco, California
- San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center — San Francisco, California, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Arthur Wallace, MD, PhD — San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Anusha Badathala, MBBS
- Email: Anusha.Badathala@ncire.org
- Phone: 4152214810
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.