Slow Wave Induction by Propofol to Eliminate Depression (SWIPED) Stage II
Recruiting · St Louis, Missouri
Always free
Study care at no cost to you
For your time and travel
Many studies pay you back
Most need no insurance or papers
Legal status usually isn't required; we'll tell you each study's requirements
Interpreters available
Ask for your language
Your choice
Voluntary — you can stop anytime
What is this study?
The investigators hypothesize that brief behavioral therapy and targeted propofol infusion in depressed geriatric patients will augment subsequent slow wave sleep and improve clinical and cognitive outcomes. The team will recruit 70 participants for a double-blinded placebo controlled randomized controlled trial.
It is , overseen by an independent and licensed medical staff.
Read the full clinical description
The investigators hypothesize that brief behavioral therapy and targeted propofol infusion in depressed geriatric patients will augment subsequent slow wave sleep and improve clinical and cognitive outcomes. The team will recruit 70 participants for a double-blinded placebo controlled randomized controlled trial. Two propofol infusions, 2-6 days apart, will be administered, targeting either a low propofol dose arm (minimal EEG slow waves, brain effect-site concentration 1-2 mcg/ml) or moderate dose propofol arm (maximal induction of EEG slow waves, brain effect site concentration of \>2.5 mcg/ml). The pharmacologic intervention will be paired with 3-4 sessions of Brief Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia for all participants. To minimize bias, there will be no specific gender or ethnic background consideration for enrollment. This will be a single site investigation at Washington University Medical Center.
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…
- •Age 60 or older
- •Have depression that did not improve after at least one good try with oral antidepressant medicine for the current episode
- •Can sign informed consent and agree to follow study steps for the full study period
- •Speak English (so they can handle questions/safety concerns during infusion and guidance for at-home sleep recordings)
🚫 You may not be able to join if…
- •Have symptomatic coronary artery disease
- •Have severe congestive heart failure/cardiomyopathy as described (NYHA class > III, LVEF < 40%, or more than mild right-ventricle systolic dysfunction)
- •Had a prior reaction to propofol
- •Have a resting heart rate below 50 beats per minute
- •Have certain recent brain-stimulation treatments (electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, or vagal nerve stimulation) within 6 weeks
- •Body mass index (BMI) greater than 35
- •Have active suicidal thoughts with some intent (C-SSRS score 4 or greater)
- •Have major thinking/memory impairment (MoCA score less than 23)
- •Have schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
- •Use non-prescribed drugs (amphetamines, opioids, cocaine, or phencyclidine) or have urine THC above 150 ng/ml
- •Drink more than 14 beers per week (or equivalent)
- •Had anesthesia in the past 4 weeks
- •Use higher doses of certain medicines: benzodiazepines above 2 mg/day lorazepam equivalent, or trazodone above 50 mg/day, or gabapentin above 600 mg/day
Are you a good fit?
Simplified highlights. The study team always confirms the full details with you.
- ✓Adults roughly 60–any age
- !Some conditions may not be a fit: Obesity / overweight, Heart / cardiovascular disease
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 investigators hypothesize that brief behavioral therapy and targeted propofol infusion in depressed geriatric patients will augment subsequent slow wave sleep and improve clinical and cognitive outcomes. The team will recruit 70 participants for a double-blinded placebo controlled randomized controlled trial.
Is it safe? Who makes sure of that?+
This is a mid-stage study (Phase 2), looking at safety and whether the treatment works. 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.
Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · NCT06867549 · Locations: Missouri