Retinoic Acid Homeostasis in Neuropsychiatric Diseases
Germany200 participantsStarted 2015-03
Plain-language summary
It is hypothesized, that local retinoic acid (RA) homeostasis is functionally involved in the pathophysiology of depression. In a cross-sectional (and partly longitudinal) analysis, serum RA status will be assessed in healthy controls and subjects with Major Depression, Alzheimer's disease, alcoholism and in subjects with schizophrenia.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 65 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.
MDD-Group
Inclusion Criteria:
* depressive episode in the context of unipolar major depression
* at least 18 points or more on the BDI and HAMD-17
Exclusion Criteria:
* additional or comorbid axis-I or axis-II disorder
* current history of any neurological or other serious medical condition
* any psychopharmacological treatment or substance use within the last two weeks or 5 half-lives (whichever is longer) of the respective substance
* any oral or topical application of retinoid-containing preparations within the last 3 months
AD-Group
Inclusion Criteria:
* diagnosed AD
Exclusion Criteria:
* any other neurodegenerative disorder
* any oral or topical application of retinoid-containing preparations within the last 3 months
Schizophrenia-Group
Inclusion Criteria:
* subjects with schizophrenia
* intended therapy with clozapine, olanzapine or aripiprazole
* BMI: 18 - 29,9 kg/m2
Exclusion Criteria:
* presence of diabetes or pathological glucose tolerance
* presence of and chronic inflammatory disease
* any psychopharmacological treatment of clozapine, olanzapine or aripiprazole within the last 3 months
* any oral or topical application of retinoid-containing preparations within the last 3 months
Alcoholism-Group
Inclusion Criteria:
* subjects with alcoholism who either still consume alcohol or are abstinent for at least 4 weeks
Exclusion Criteria:
* any oral or topical application of retinoid-containing preparations within the last 3 months
* current history of …
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.