Characterizing Dopamine Receptor Binding in Treatment Resistant Depression

Launched by UNITY HEALTH TORONTO · May 15, 2018

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how certain brain receptors, known as dopamine D2 and D3 receptors, behave in people with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). TRD is a type of depression that doesn't respond to traditional antidepressant medications, and this study aims to understand the differences in brain activity between those with TRD, those who respond to treatment, and healthy individuals. By studying these differences, researchers hope to develop better treatments for people struggling with TRD, which affects about 30% of individuals with major depressive disorder.

To participate in the trial, adults aged 25 to 55 who have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and have experienced moderate to severe symptoms may be eligible. Participants will need to be free from certain medications for a while before undergoing brain scans. Healthy individuals in the same age range can also join the study. Those who qualify will visit the research sites for a few appointments, where they will complete assessments and undergo MRI and PET scans to measure brain activity. This research is essential for improving our understanding of depression and developing new treatment options for those who haven’t found relief with current medications.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• * Key inclusion criteria for the MDD patients:
• • DSM-5 criteria for a Major Depressive Episode (MDE) within a MDD, confirmed through MINI diagnosis (Sheehan et al, 2015)
• • Age between 25 and 55 years
• • Hamilton Depression Rating Scale - 17 item (HRSD-17; Hamilton, 1960) \> 14 (moderate to severe symptoms)
• • Free of psychotropic medications for at least 5 half-lives before PET scanning
• • Ability to undergo MRI scanning (absence of metal, pacemakers, etc.)
• • For non-resistant patients: Previous history of response to an antidepressant, in order to increase signal to noise between resistant and non-resistant patients
• Key inclusion criteria for the Healthy Controls:
• • Ages between 25 and 55 years
• • Ability to undergo MRI scanning (absence of metal, pacemakers, etc.)
• Exclusion Criteria:
• Key exclusion criteria for the MDD patients:
• • Pregnancy/lactation
• • Medical condition requiring immediate investigation or treatment
• • Recent (\< 6 months)/current history of drug abuse/dependence
• • Lifetime history of psychosis, other Axis I comorbidities are allowable
• • Use of any psychotropic use within 5 half-lives before the PET scanning
• • For non-resistant patients: Failure of \> 2 antidepressant treatments of adequate dose and duration for current MDE.
• Key exclusion criteria for the Healthy Controls:
• • Pregnancy/lactation
• • Medical condition requiring immediate investigation or treatment
• • Lifetime history of any psychiatric disorder
• • Lifetime history of receiving an antidepressant