Studying the Health of Asians to Advance Knowledge, Treatments, and Interventions for Depression

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SOUTHWESTERN MEDICAL CENTER · Aug 15, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The SHAKTI trial is a research study aimed at understanding how different factors affect the way people of Asian and Pacific Islander descent respond to treatments for depression and related mood disorders. Over the next five years, researchers will follow 6,000 participants to explore various aspects of their lives, including their background, lifestyle habits, medical history, and biological markers. This study hopes to develop better tools to predict how individuals with depression respond to treatment, which could lead to more effective care.

To participate, individuals must be at least 10 years old and identify as being of Asian or Pacific Islander descent. They should be able to speak, read, and understand English and be willing to complete evaluations and tests. Participants will be grouped based on their mental health status—some may have a diagnosed mood disorder, some may be at risk for developing one, and others may be healthy controls. It's important to note that individuals with certain severe mental health conditions or unstable medical situations may not be eligible. If chosen for the study, participants can expect to share their experiences and undergo various assessments that could help improve understanding and treatment of depression in their communities.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Adult or youth aged 10 years or older
• • 2. Self-identify fully or partially as being of Asian or Pacific Islander descent such as: East Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, Southwest Asian, Central Asian, Oceanian, Pacific Islander, Polynesian, Micronesian, Melanesian
• • 3. Have the ability to speak, read, and understand English. The parent(s) or legal guardians of minors must also speak, read and understand English.
• • 4. Have the ability to complete clinical evaluations, neuropsychological testing, and self-report measures.
• 5. Meet criteria for one of these three groups:
• • 1. Have a lifetime or a current diagnosis of a mood disorder (such as depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety) based upon a semi- structured diagnostic interview (must be a non-psychotic depressive disorder)
• • 2. Be at risk for developing mood disorders
• • 3. Healthy Control Group
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. History of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders or chronic psychotic disorders based upon a semi-structured diagnostic interview.
• • 2. Unable to provide a stable home address and contact information.
• • 3. Has any condition for which, in the opinion of the investigator or designee, study participation would not be in their best interest (including but not limited to cognitive impairment, unstable general medical condition, intoxication, active psychosis) or that could prevent, limit, or confound the protocol-specified assessments.
• • 4. Requires immediate hospitalization for psychiatric disorder or suicidal risk as assessed by a licensed study clinician.