Serotonin Transporter Genetic Variation and Amygdalar Activation Correlates of Antidepressant Response

Completed · Phase 4

Conditions studied: Depression

In brief

The purpose of this study is to find out what parts of the brain have increased or decreased activity when people are depressed and how antidepressant medicine changes this activity in depressed patients.In particular, this study will investigate whether variation in the serotonin transporter gene can affect the response to escitalopram as measured by clinical interview and MRI scan. We will measure activity in different parts of the brain, while subjects see pictures, using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan. There will be three MRI scans; one before we start any medication, one during the study after 3 weeks of treatment and one after six more weeks of treatment. Treatment will consist of Escitalopram. Additionally a blood sample will be taken for genetic testing. The genetic samples collected are to look at variation in a gene (serotonin transporter gene), which affects the functioning of the chemical serotonin in the brain.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT00456430

Run by

Indiana University

People needed

80

Starts

2003-07-01

Expected to finish

2007-08-01

Last updated by the study team

2011-11-15

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 60. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: accepted.

You may not qualify if…

• Exclusion criteria for patients
• Meeting DSM-IV criteria for schizophrenia, schizophreniform disorder, schizoaffective disorder, atypical psychosis, mental retardation, or organic mental (including organic mood) disorder.
• Use of neuroleptic past 2 weeks
• Use of antidepressants in the past 2 weeks. If on fluoxetine in the past then should not have been on this medication for 4 weeks.
• Use of mood stabilizers in the past 2 weeks
• Use of benzodiazepines in the past 2 weeks.
• Acutely suicidal or homicidal or requiring inpatient treatment.
• Meeting DSM-IV criteria for other substance dependence within the past year, except caffeine or nicotine. The criteria will be evaluated by interview and urinary toxicology screening initially and on test days.
• Use of alcohol in the past 1 week.
• No serious medical or neurological illness as assessed by physical examination and laboratory examination including CBC and blood chemistry.
• Current pregnancy or breast feeding.
• Metallic implants.
• Previously known positive HIV blood test as reported by the subject.

Where it is running

• Indiana University Adult Psychiatry Clinic — Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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