Not Yet RecruitingNot Applicable

Pharmacogenetic-Guided Antidepressant Treatment in Depression

Morocco570 participantsStarted 2026-04-01

Plain-language summary

The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate whether using pharmacogenetic testing to guide antidepressant treatment can improve outcomes in adults with major depressive disorder in Morocco. Depression is a common mental health condition, and finding the most effective antidepressant for a patient can take time. Some individuals do not respond well to the first medication prescribed or may experience side effects. Pharmacogenetic testing examines genetic variations that can influence how a person processes certain medications. Information about genes involved in drug metabolism, such as CYP2D6 and CYP2C19, may help clinicians choose antidepressants and adjust doses more appropriately for each patient. The main question this study aims to answer is whether treatment guided by pharmacogenetic test results leads to higher remission rates of depressive symptoms compared with usual clinical care. In this study, participants diagnosed with major depressive disorder will be randomly assigned to one of two groups. In the pharmacogenetic-guided group, clinicians will receive the patient's genetic test results and may use this information to guide antidepressant selection and dosing. In the usual care group, antidepressant treatment will be prescribed according to standard clinical practice without access to pharmacogenetic information. Participants will receive antidepressant treatment and will be followed for 12 weeks. During this period, depressive symptoms will be evaluated using standardized clinical questionnaires, including the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Information on treatment response, medication tolerance, and adverse effects will also be collected. This study aims to provide evidence on the potential role of pharmacogenetic-guided treatment in improving depression management and to support the development of personalized medicine approaches in psychiatric care in Morocco.

Who can participate

Age range

18 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: * Diagnosis of a depressive disorder (major depressive disorder, depressive episode, or persistent depressive disorder) confirmed by a healthcare professional according to DSM-5 or ICD-10 criteria. * Aged 18 years or older at the time of enrollment. * Clinical indication for initiation or modification of antidepressant pharmacotherapy. * Ability to understand study procedures and provide written informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to provide informed consent. * Current acute psychotic disorder, manic episode, or uncontrolled bipolar disorder. * Current pregnancy or breastfeeding. * Use of medications with clinically significant interactions with antidepressants. * Any severe medical condition that, in the opinion of the investigator, would compromise participant safety or study integrity.

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.

What they're measuring

Depression Severity

Timeframe: 12 weeks post-randomization

Trial details

NCT IDNCT07480486

SponsorMohammed V University in Rabat

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2027-03-01

Contact for this trial

Meriem Atarki, PhD

+212687595174 meriem_atarki@um5.ac.ma

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Depression - Major Depressive Disorder trials