Biological Markers of Response to Treatment in Major Depressive Disorder
Biological Markers of Response to Treatment in Major Depressive Disorder
The purpose of this study is to find out if two tests are useful in predicting whether
 someone with depression will get better when he or she is treated with an FDA approved
 antidepressant medication (either citalopram or escitalopram).
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a severe form of depression. MDD can significantly
 interfere with an individual's thoughts, behavior, mood, and physical health. People who
 suffer from MDD often experience feelings of worthlessness; they may feel hopeless and may be
 unable to cope with problems in their life. In addition, they often experience sleep
 disruption, loss of appetite, and chronic pain.

 It often takes several weeks to find out if an antidepressant medication is going to work for
 someone. This research study aims to identify tests that are able to predict if a medication
 will work, even before a person starts to feel better. The first test is a measurement of the
 blood protein Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which is involved with brain cell
 growth. The second test is a Quantitative Electroencephalogram (QEEG), which measures brain
 activity.

 The study lasts for 8 weeks and involves 5 total visits to the clinic. Throughout the study,
 all subjects will receive either escitalopram (Lexapro) or citalopram (Celexa) on the basis
 of the study doctor's clinical judgment. The dose of the medications can be increased at any
 point in time if the study doctor thinks it is appropriate. After the first screen visit
 (which lasts about 3 hours), each subsequent half-hour visit will involve a 2-tablespoon
 blood draw to measure BDNF levels, as well as a QEEG in which small, painless electrodes are
 stuck to the subject's forehead and electrical activity of the brain is measured. At the end
 of the 8 weeks, subjects are offered 3 months of free follow-up care, including medications.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Ages 18-65

 -  Meet criteria for current Major Depressive Disorder

 -  Antidepressant medication-free for at least 2 weeks prior to the start of the study

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Pregnant or breastfeeding women

 -  Anyone who is suicidal

 -  Anyone with an unstable medical condition (cardiovascular, hepatic, renal,
 respiratory, endocrine, neurological, or hematological), substance abuse problem
 within the past 6 months, psychoses (past or current), hypothyroidism, or hypomania

 -  Anyone currently taking an SSRI

 -  Past intolerance to Lexapro or Celexa