Improving Outcomes in Depression in Primary Care in a Low Resource Setting
Launched by HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL (HMS AND HSDM) · Jul 2, 2023
Trial Information
Current as of July 24, 2025
Recruiting
Keywords
ClinConnect Summary
The OptimizeD study is a clinical trial designed to find better ways to treat depression in primary care settings in India. The trial will involve 1,500 adults who have moderate to severe depression. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two treatment options: a type of therapy called the Healthy Activity Program (HAP), which focuses on increasing daily activities to improve mood, or an antidepressant medication called fluoxetine. The goal is to learn which treatment works best for different people and to identify those who may need more specialized care.
To be eligible for the study, participants need to be at least 18 years old and have a diagnosis of moderate to severe depression, as indicated by a specific questionnaire. However, individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding, those with certain mental health conditions like psychosis, or those currently receiving treatment for depression cannot participate. Throughout the study, participants will be monitored and supported as researchers compare the effectiveness and costs of the two treatments. This research aims to improve depression care in low-resource settings and help doctors make more personalized treatment choices for their patients.
Gender
ALL
Eligibility criteria
- Inclusion Criteria:
- • Participants will be adults aged 18 or over of any gender attending one of the selected Primary Health Care Centers with a "diagnosis" of moderate to severe depression based on scores of 10 or above on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9).
- Exclusion Criteria:
- • 1. Women who are pregnant or are breastfeeding or lactating
- • 2. Patients with a history of psychosis, including schizophrenia spectrum disorders or bipolar disorder.
- • 3. Participants planning to permanently move out of the study area during the follow-up period.
- • 4. Patients with evidence of cognitive impairment.
- • 5. Patients who do not speak either English or Hindi.
- • 6. Patients who are undergoing treatment for depression at the time of recruitment or who completed treatment within one month prior to recruitment
- • 7. Patients at imminent risk for suicide
- • 8. Patients from households in which another member has been recruited into the study
About Harvard Medical School (Hms And Hsdm)
Harvard Medical School (HMS) and Harvard School of Dental Medicine (HSDM) are prestigious institutions renowned for their commitment to advancing medical and dental research, education, and patient care. As clinical trial sponsors, HMS and HSDM leverage their robust academic resources, cutting-edge laboratories, and a collaborative network of healthcare professionals to conduct innovative research that addresses critical health challenges. With a focus on translating scientific discoveries into clinical applications, these institutions foster an environment that promotes ethical research practices and prioritizes participant safety, ensuring that their clinical trials contribute significantly to the field of medicine and the well-being of communities.
Contacts
Jennifer Cobb
Immunology at National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
Locations
Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh, India
Patients applied
Trial Officials
Vikram Patel, MD
Principal Investigator
Vikram_Patel@hms.harvard.edu
Timeline
First submit
Trial launched
Trial updated
Estimated completion
Not reported