Taking an Antidepressant But Not Feeling Relief? Clinical Trials May Offer Potential New Treatment Options

Depression is one of the most common, yet most challenging, mental health conditions. More than eight percent of the U.S. population, or 1 in 12 … adults, have experienced at least one major depressive episode.^1. Despite the availability of treatments, two-thirds of sufferers don’t experience full relief from their initial treatment attempt, and some continue to struggle even after trying multiple options.^2. If you’re living with persistent depression, you’re not alone. Research, in the form of clinical trials, is moving forward to help find answers, and potentially offer new treatment options.

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How Clinical Trials Work

Thank you for your interest in learning more about depression clinical trials! Every day, academic institutions, pharmacological organizations and private research facilities across the country are working towards potential breakthroughs in the study of depression in a variety of clinical research studies.

Here’s a look at what a clinical trial for depression might involve:

A principal investigator, or PI, is the clinician in charge of the clinical trial, who is responsible for coordinating, managing and overseeing the clinical study. That individual carries out what is called a protocol.

Protocol is a document that describes how the trial is designed, and outlines how it should be carried out.

Clinical trials, also called research studies or clinical studies, can be either interventional or non-interventional. Interventional studies mean that they test out an intervention, like a drug, procedure, or medical device. Non-interventional studies, also called observational studies, don’t test potential treatments. Instead, researchers observe the participants over a period of time, and track health outcomes.

WHO CAN PARTICIPATE?

Here are some of the qualifications interested potential participants need to meet in order to join a clinical research study for depression:

Be between the ages of 18 – 70 years old
Have a diagnosis of depression
Be taking a single antidepressant medication (SSRI, SNRI, or bupropion) for at least 6 weeks with no change in dose for at least 2 weeks
Are willing to comply with all study assessments and procedures
Must not be pregnant or breastfeeding

Additional eligibility criteria apply. Learn more about if you or a loved one may qualify for participation in a depression clinical trial.

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Clinical Trials Make A Difference

Participation in a clinical study provides valuable information that could eventually lead to a better treatment and — with the right advancements — to better outcomes. Take our short survey to see if you or a loved one may be a good fit. There is no obligation to enroll.

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Understanding Depression

WHAT IT IS

Depression is a significant mental health condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, loss of interest in activities, inability to experience joy, and feelings of emptiness or helplessness. It substantially impacts a person’s daily life, including their mood, behavior, and overall physical health. Beyond just “feeling down,” depression involves a range of symptoms which last for at least two weeks, and interfere with daily functioning in a noticeable way.^3.

HOW IS IT TREATED?

A combination of medications and psychotherapy are generally used to treat people with depression, but finding the right medication is often a case of trial and error. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), atypical antidepressants, tricyclic antidepressants, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are often prescribed to patients. Psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy, as well as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) are also utilized to help treat major depressive disorder. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining healthy eating habits, exercising, and abstaining from alcohol and recreational drugs may also help manage depression symptoms. However, in cases of severe depression, hospitalization may be required.^4. In recent years many people have also turned to clinical trials to explore potentially new care options to help treat their depression.

POSSIBLE HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Participation in clinical research plays an important role in developing new treatments for current sufferers and future generations. To assess the safety and effectiveness of potential new drugs, research requires volunteers whose role in participating provides new understanding that may potentially help treat depression and other mental health conditions. Scientific strides are being made every day, as researchers continue to learn new insights about the landscape of depression.

21,000,000

An estimated 21 million Americans have reported having at least one depressive episode, which comprises a little over eight percent of the U.S. population, or 1 in 12 adults in this country.^1.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What are the symptoms of depression?

Signs may include:^3.

Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
Irritability, angry outbursts, or frustration — even over small matters
Loss of interest in activities you usually derive pleasure from, such as sex, hobbies, or sports
Sleep disturbances (whether insomnia or sleeping too much)
Lack of energy and lethargy
Reduced appetite and weight loss, or a spike in food cravings and weight gain
Anxiety, agitation or restlessness
A slow-down in thinking, speaking, or body movements
Feelings of worthlessness, guilt, self-criticalness, or fixating on past failures
Trouble with thinking, memory, concentration, and decision-making
Frequent or recurrent thoughts of death, suicide, or suicide attempts

Who may be a good candidate to apply for a Depression clinical trial?

You may consider applying for a depression clinical research study if you or a loved one:

Are between the ages of 18 – 70 years old
Have a diagnosis of depression
Are taking a single antidepressant medication (SSRI, SNRI, or bupropion) for at least 6 weeks with no change in dose for at least 2 weeks
Are willing to comply with all study assessments and procedures
Are not pregnant or breastfeeding

What will happen during a clinical trial for Depression?

Most clinical trials will involve frontline screening to confirm that a patient is, in fact, a potential match for that study’s criteria. Once verified and the patient has signed an Informed Consent Form, which clearly provides the details and purpose of the study to that individual and what it involves, participants can expect to attend scheduled appointments at a clinician’s office. They will undergo additional screening, and if deemed eligible for the study, will receive a prescribed medication (called an investigational treatment or study drug), and receive regular follow-up monitoring from a clinician and/or research staff. Throughout the study, participants should expect to experience a professional clinical environment, and be treated with compassion and respect.

Are there any costs to participate?

There is no cost to participate in a clinical trial. Participants receive all study-related medical care and medications for the duration of the study at no cost.

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Source: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression
Source: Rush AJ, et al. (2006). Acute and longer-term outcomes in depressed outpatients requiring one or several treatment steps: A STARD report.* American Journal of Psychiatry, 163(11), 1905–1917.
Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/symptoms-causes/syc-20356007#:~:text=Feelings%20of%20sadness%2C%20tearfulness%2C%20emptiness,there%20can%20be%20some%20differences.
Source: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20356013