Pain, Reward, Attention and Neurocircuitry: Biomarkers of Suicidality

Launched by UNITY HEALTH TORONTO · Jun 20, 2016

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is looking to understand suicide risk in people with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Researchers want to find a specific biological marker, which is a sign that could help identify someone at risk of suicide. They will measure how people respond to pain and pleasure, how well they pay attention, and examine related brain areas using advanced brain scans. The goal is to see if these markers change over time, which could help in preventing suicides.

To participate, individuals need to be between 18 and 70 years old and must have been diagnosed with a major depressive episode. They should show certain levels of depression severity and may have a history of suicidal thoughts or attempts. Participants can expect to undergo brain scans and assessments over the course of the study. It's important to note that some people may not be eligible, especially those who are pregnant, have certain medical conditions, or are currently using specific medications. This study is actively recruiting participants who meet these criteria, and their contributions could lead to better understanding and prevention of suicide in those with depression.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. DSM-5 criteria for Major Depressive Episode within a MDD, confirmed through MINI diagnosis104
• • 2. Ages between 18 and 70 years
• • 3. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale - 17 item (HAMD-17) \>= 14
• • 4. Capable of giving informed consent
• • 5. Groups 1 and 2 participants only: HAMD-17 item 3 (suicide) \>= 2
• • 6. Group 2 participants only: positive history of a suicide attempt within the last six months
• • 7. Group 3 participants only: positive history of a lifetime suicide attempt
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Pregnancy/lactation
• • 2. Medical condition requiring immediate investigation or treatment
• • 3. Recent (\< 6 months)/current history of drug abuse/dependence (other than caffeine, or nicotine)
• • 4. Lifetime history of psychosis, Bipolar I or Bipolar II; other Axis I comorbidities are allowable
• • 5. Individuals who are taking a daily sedative hypnotic, atypical antipsychotic or stimulant must be on a stable dose for at least 4 weeks prior to the neuroimaging scan. The dose must not be taken after 10:00pm the evening prior to the scan. Those receiving a benzodiazepine or an atypical antipsychotic on an "as needed" basis (taken, but not every day) will be washed out of their benzodiazepine/atypical antipsychotic for two weeks prior to neuroimaging. Those receive stimulants on an "as needed" basis will be washed out for 1-3 days prior to neuroimaging, depending on the stimulant half-life.
• • 6. Participation in experimental treatment trials for the study duration.