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Sponsored by: |
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) |
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Information provided by: | National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) |
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT00320632 |
This study will determine the effectiveness of desipramine in improving cellular signaling, and thereby decreasing symptoms of depression in people with major depressive disorder (MDD).
Condition | Intervention | Phase |
---|---|---|
Depression |
Drug: Desipramine |
Phase IV |
Study Type: | Interventional |
Study Design: | Treatment, Non-Randomized, Open Label, Uncontrolled, Single Group Assignment |
Official Title: | Psychopharmacology of Biogenic Amines in Depression |
Estimated Enrollment: | 43 |
Study Start Date: | August 1990 |
Estimated Study Completion Date: | July 1993 |
MDD is a serious mental illness that can interfere with a person’s ability to eat, sleep, work, and enjoy activities that were once pleasurable. It is characterized by several symptoms, including as the following: persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood; feelings of hopelessness or pessimism; and feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness. The receptor-G protein-adenylate cyclase enzyme complex (AC enzyme complex) is a major cell signaling system in the brain, blood, and other tissues in the body. Changes in this signaling system among blood cells have been observed in people with major depressive disorder. Research has shown that treatment with the benzodiazepine alprazolam corrects the signaling problem, and thereby improves symptoms of MDD. This study will determine whether impairments in the AC enzyme complex exist among depressed individuals. This study will also evaluate the effectiveness of desipramine, an antidepressant, in improving blood cell signaling, and thereby decreasing symptoms of depression in people with major depressive disorder.
Both healthy and depressed participants will be recruited for this study. All depressed participants in this study will first be assessed for depression severity using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. If eligible for the study, participants will be examined to determine AC enzyme complex functioning in both platelets and mononuclear leukocytes. A cohort of the depressed participants will be treated with desipramine. They will be examined to determine the drug’s effect on AC enzyme complex functioning, as well as its effect on MDD symptoms, at Weeks 1, 4, and 6.
Ages Eligible for Study: | 19 Years to 64 Years |
Genders Eligible for Study: | Both |
Accepts Healthy Volunteers: | Yes |
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
United States, Massachusetts | |
Massachusetts Mental Health Center | |
Boston, Massachusetts, United States, 02115 |
Principal Investigator: | Joseph J. Schildkraut, MD | Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School |
Study ID Numbers: | R01 MH15413 |
Study First Received: | April 28, 2006 |
Last Updated: | May 8, 2006 |
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: | NCT00320632 |
Health Authority: | United States: Federal Government |
Major Depressive Disorder MDD |
Depression Mental Disorders Mood Disorders Depressive Disorder, Major |
Desipramine Depressive Disorder Behavioral Symptoms |
Neurotransmitter Agents Neurotransmitter Uptake Inhibitors Molecular Mechanisms of Pharmacological Action Adrenergic Agents Adrenergic Uptake Inhibitors Physiological Effects of Drugs Psychotropic Drugs |
Enzyme Inhibitors Pharmacologic Actions Antidepressive Agents, Tricyclic Therapeutic Uses Central Nervous System Agents Antidepressive Agents |