Establishing Multimodal Brain Biomarkers for Treatment Selection in Depression
Recruiting · Austin, Texas
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Most need no insurance or papers
Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
Interpreters available
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Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
The purpose of the study is to identify brain biomarkers and characteristics that predict individual responses to treatment of major depression with the antidepressant drug sertraline (tradename Zoloft), a common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. Our central hypothesis is that brain activity and connections jointly measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG) will be able to predict an individual's response to sertraline treatment.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
The purpose of the study is to identify brain biomarkers and characteristics that predict individual responses to treatment of major depression with the antidepressant drug sertraline (tradename Zoloft), a common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. Our central hypothesis is that brain activity and connections jointly measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG) will be able to predict an individual's response to sertraline treatment.
Who this study is looking for
In plain language, from the study's own rules. The study team confirms the full details with you — this isn't a final yes or no.
✅ You may be able to join if…
- •English is the primary language and you can understand the experimenter’s instructions
- •You have a current major depressive episode diagnosed by SCID-5 (a structured mental health interview for DSM-5)
- •Your depression started early (before age 30) and is either ongoing for more than 2 years or you have had 2 or more major depressive episodes in your lifetime (including the current one)
- •Your QIDS score is more than 14 at baseline and was also more than 14 the week before your first sertraline dose (QIDS is a depression symptom questionnaire)
- •You are willing and able to have MRI and EEG tests
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •Depression that started after age 30, or depression that is not chronic (current episode under 2 years or only one lifetime major depressive episode, including the current one)
- •You did not respond to any previous antidepressant during this current episode when it was taken long enough and at a sufficient dose (per the MGH Antidepressant Treatment Response Questionnaire)
- •You are currently pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
- •You have (now or in the past) psychosis or bipolar disorder (from self-report or a clinical interview)
- •You have evidence of a substance-use disorder of moderate or greater severity in the past 6 months
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 18–65
- ✓Have Depression
- !Some conditions may not be a fit: Heart / cardiovascular disease
- !Not for people who are pregnant or breastfeeding
What to expect, step by step
- 1
Usually a few weeks
The study team checks whether the study is a good fit for you, with a visit and sometimes lab tests. You can ask any questions before deciding.
- 2
Treatment
If you join and choose to continue, you receive the study treatment and are watched closely by medical staff.
- 3
Follow-up
After treatment, the team checks on your health and confirms the visit schedule with you. You can leave the study at any point.
Has this treatment been tested before?
Yes. This treatment has already been through earlier human studies for safety before reaching this stage.
What you need to know before you apply
What is this study testing?+
The purpose of the study is to identify brain biomarkers and characteristics that predict individual responses to treatment of major depression with the antidepressant drug sertraline (tradename Zoloft), a common selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. Our central hypothesis is that brain activity and connections jointly measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalogram (EEG) will be able to predict an individual's response to sertraline treatment.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is a study of an already-approved treatment (Phase 4). Every study is reviewed and monitored by an independent ethics board (called an IRB) whose job is to protect participants, and care is overseen by licensed medical staff. You'll be told the known risks before you agree to anything, and you can stop at any time.
Will I get a placebo instead of the real treatment?+
Some studies compare a treatment against a placebo (an inactive version), and some don't. If this one does, the study team will explain your chances of receiving the active treatment before you decide. Nothing is hidden from you.
Do I have to stop taking my current medications?+
It depends on the study. Some let you stay on your current medications and some ask you to adjust them. Never stop a medication on your own — the study team will review everything with you first.
Does it cost anything? Will I be paid?+
The study treatment and study-related visits are provided at no cost to you. Some studies also pay for your time; the coordinator can tell you if this one does. You should never be asked to pay to take part.
Do I need insurance? Will anyone ask about my immigration status?+
No. You do not need health insurance to take part in a research study, and you will not be asked about your immigration status to join. Taking part is about whether you're a medical fit for the study.
What if English isn't my first language?+
You have the right to understand everything before you agree. Study sites can often provide materials or an interpreter in your language — you can ask the coordinator for one.
Is my information private?+
Yes. Your health information is only shared with the study sites you choose to be contacted by, and only to help match and enroll you. It is never sold, and you can ask us to delete it at any time.
Some requirements (like specific lab values or timing) are confirmed directly by the study team, not by us.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT05892744 · Locations: Texas