What is Major Depression?
Major depression is a diagnosis coming from the presence of multiple symptoms of depression, possibly including depressed mood, changes in appetite, changes in sleep, and loss of interest in activities previously enjoyed.
Major depression may also impact concentration and motivation, making it difficult to get out of bed in the morning. Suicidal thinking is sometimes present. Patients experiencing major depression may feel worthless, guilty, helpless, and hopeless.
When enough of these symptoms have been present for at least two weeks, the diagnosis of major depression is appropriate.
What are Depression Studies?
Medical research helps doctors and researchers learn more about disease and improve healthcare, advancing innovative medicines, devices, and therapies. These studies involve people like you and are at the heart of all medical advances to prevent, detect, or treat disease. Clinical studies for depression determine if the new treatment, prevention, and behavior approaches are safe and effective.
At CenExel CBH, we offer both inpatient and outpatient depression studies. We also have trials focusing on treatment-resistant depression, which has not responded to medication or psychotherapy.
Who Should Participate?
While every study has different, specific criteria, generally in order to qualify, you must:
- Be between the ages of 18-65 years
- Have a diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder
- Be experiencing a current depressive episode of at least 8 weeks
- Be in good physical health
Participating in a depression clinical trial is a good option to consider if you are experiencing depression and your current medications are not working well or enough. If you are in good physical health, and want to explore some new treatments for your depression, contact us today.
What are the Risks and Benefits?
After researchers extensively test new treatments or procedures in a lab, the most promising and safe treatments are approved for clinical trials. As these new treatments move through a series of clinical research steps called phases, we gain more information about the treatments’ risks and effectiveness. Safety is always the top priority, and clinical testing ceases if patient safety is compromised.
In addition to directly advancing the development of the newest medicines and therapies, participants may receive these new treatments themselves. They will receive extra care and attention from clinical trial staff. Study participants will also receive compensation for time and travel. Clinical trials offer hope for many people and an opportunity to help researchers and physicians find better treatments.
What to Expect from CenExel CBH?
Each depression trial at CenExel CBH is run by a Study Coordinator and a Principal Investigator – an expert physician with extensive background in both mental health and clinical research. Before beginning participation, the study process and all procedures are explained thoroughly. During the entire study, the Study Coordinator and Principal Investigator assist participants, performing health checks, offering guidance and instruction, carefully monitoring, answering any questions, and even staying in touch after the study.
The state-of-the-art CenExel CBH facility was designed with the best equipment and surroundings to ensure patient safety and comfort.