CompletedNot Applicable

Cortical/Subcortical Circuits in Late-Life Depression

United States400 participantsStarted 2009-09-22

Plain-language summary

The purpose of the study is to examine the relationship between brain structure and depression in adults aged 60 or older. This relationship is determined using magnetic resonance imaging technology (MRI), a scanner with a magnet that is used to create images of the brain.

Who can participate

Age range

60 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age: 60 years or greater * Diagnosis of major depressive disorder using standard diagnostic and statistical manual (DSM) criteria * Score of 15 or greater on the 17-item Hamilton Depression rating scale * Mini Mental Status Exam score of 24 or greater * No evidence of clinical dementia or any other clinical brain disorder * Free of psychotropic/psychoactive medications for at least 2 weeks Exclusion Criteria: * Presence of dementia or any other clinical brain disorder (Parkinson's, Alzheimer's) * History of progressive cognitive decline and/or Mini Mental Status Exam score of less than 24 * Lifetime diagnosis of substance abuse * Unstable medical illness (grade 4 on the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale) * Presence of any metallic implant that would preclude an MRI scan (pacemaker, etc.) * Concurrent Axis 1 disorder (schizophrenia, bipolar) * Psychotropic medication implicated in depression i.e. Reserpine, Alpha methyl dopa, Beta blockers, multiple long acting benzodiazepines (valium, flurazepam, chlordiazepoxide), neuroleptics; * Seizure disorder * Stroke/Transient Ischemic Attack * Central nervous system disorder (Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis) * Trauma to head/Loss of Consciousness * Claustrophobia * Eating disorder (anorexia, bulimia) * Weight of over 350 pounds * Learning disorder (dyslexia, ADHD) * Psychosis, panic or anxiety disorder outside the context of depression * Mood stabilizing agents such as lithium and Divalproex sodium and an…

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01327417

SponsorUniversity of Illinois at Chicago

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeOBSERVATIONAL

Primary completion2014-08-19

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Depression trials

Who can participate

Age range

60 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.