Frequently Asked Questions

Signs may include:^1.

• 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

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

The information gathered in clinical studies may help identify new treatment options in the future for people living with depression. Study participants are often connected to specialists who understand their situation and can help answer questions from patients or their loved ones. Participants in research studies should expect to experience a professional clinical environment, be treated with compassion and respect, and have access to top quality care during the clinical trial.

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.

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.

As all drugs and medical procedures carry a risk of side effects, the possibility that participants may experience some discomfort or other reactions during or after a clinical trial does exist. The study staff for that trial should explain these potential risks before participants decide whether to participate, and help address any concerns.

No. Requirements or eligibility criteria vary by clinical trial, and sponsors/clinical sites are constantly looking for patient populations in order to test the efficacy and safety of their investigational drugs. Further screening (phone call, electronic health record retrieval, on-site visit) is often used to determine whether a patient is eligible to participate in an active clinical study, but if not, they will likely be a candidate for one in the future, in which case that person may be contacted.

Yes. Participation in a clinical research study is completely voluntary, and you may withdraw from a clinical research study at any time for any reason.

If you are interested in learning more, please contact us at any time. You may email us at help@clinicalenrollment.com.