Depression Research

The Mood and Anxiety Disorders Program (MAP) is committed to research that will advance the treatment of depression disorders in a number of areas. Our pharmaceutical studies include exploring novel uses for existing medications such as ketamine (an FDA-approved anesthetic with promising antidepressant effects) and developing new drugs. We are also researching more effective ways to use device-based therapies such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), in which a magnetic coil is placed against the forehead to stimulate nerves in the brain. Our research into psychotherapy involves studies of new cognitive strategies.

In addition to researching new treatments, MAP is using neuroimaging studies including functional MRI (fMRI) to investigate brain activity during depression in order to better understand the biology of this condition.

Clinical Trials for Depression Disorders

MAP is currently seeking individuals interested in participating in the following clinical trials for depression:

• Continuation IV Ketamine in Major Depressive Disorder: Tests the antidepressant effect of intravenous (IV) ketamine given for one week, as well as the use of Lithium as a relapse-prevention strategy for patients with treatment-resistant depression.
• An fMRI Study of Ketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: Uses fMRI to investigate the neurobiological mechanisms of the antidepressant effects of ketamine in patients with treatment-resistant major depression.
• Intranasal Ketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: Studies the safety and efficacy of a single dose of intranasal (IN) ketamine in treatment-resistant depression.
• Dose Frequency Study of IV Ketamine in Treatment-Resistant Depression: Evaluates the efficacy of intravenous (IV) ketamine in treatment-resistant depression with objectives that include assessing the duration of improvement of depressive symptoms and evaluating the effect of multiple doses of IV ketamine on biomarkers.
• Optimization of IV Ketamine in Treatment-Resistant Major Depression: Studies the antidepressant mechanism of action of intravenous (IV) ketamine in patients with treatment-resistant major depression.
• Novel TMS Technology Synchronized with EEG: Seeks to establish the safety and efficacy of synchronized TMS (sTMS) therapy compared to sham (placebo) in subjects with major depressive disorder who are not taking antidepressant medications.
• Cognitive Training for Depression: Investigates the effectiveness of a computerized training program to help depressed individuals modify the negative bias with which they perceive and process information.
• Study Drug RO4995819 in Major Depressive Disorder: Investigates the safety and efficacy of study drug RO4995819 (oral) when taken in addition to ongoing antidepressant therapy in patients with major depressive disorder.
• Study Drug AZD6765 in Major Depressive Disorder: Investigates the safety and efficacy of study drug AZD6765 (infusion) in patients with major depressive disorder and a lifetime history of inadequate response to at least three antidepressant treatments.
• Study Drug SPD489 used in Combination with an Antidepressant in Major Depressive Disorder: Investigates whether study drug SPD489 helps to improve depression symptoms as an augmentation treatment when added to an antidepressant medication.

To participate in one of our clinical trials for Mood and Anxiety Disorders or to learn more about eligibility, please contact Cara Levitch (212-241-3116; cara.levitch@mssm.edu).