Boston, MANCT07610928Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Depression / Major Depressive Disorder Clinical Trial in Boston, MA

Access cutting-edge depression / major depressive disorder treatment through this clinical trial at a research site in Boston. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by Massachusetts General Hospital

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Expert Care in Boston

Access depression / major depressive disorder specialists at no cost

IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related depression / major depressive disorder treatment provided free

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Check if you qualify for this depression / major depressive disorder clinical trial in Boston, MA

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Your information is protected and will only be shared with the research team.

Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Boston

    Convenient for MA residents

  • Cutting-Edge Treatment

    Access to innovative therapies

  • Expert Medical Care

    Close monitoring by specialists

  • Possible Compensation*

    For time and travel

*Compensation varies by study. Confirm details with coordinator.

Simple Process

  1. 1Submit this form
  2. 2Phone screening
  3. 3Visit Boston site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Depression / Major Depressive Disorder Study in Boston

Many Asian Americans with depression also struggle with physical symptoms-such as pain, fatigue, or other forms of bodily discomfort-that occur at the same time. Right now, there is no proven treatment that effectively addresses both the depression and these physical symptoms together. This study will test whether it is practical, acceptable, and safe to combine the Stress Management and Resiliency Training (SMART) program with meditative movements for people who have both major depression and these distressing physical symptoms.

Sponsor: Massachusetts General Hospital

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Self-identify as being of Asian ethnicity
English language proficiency
Be ≥18 years of age
Satisfy DSM-5 criteria for MDD prior to the initiation of the study intervention, as determined by a clinical interview conducted by the Principal Investigator (PI) during screening using DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.
A baseline of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Depression score ≥ 16
A baseline score of PHQ-15 ≥10
Have not had Tai Chi/Qigong training/practice or other forms of mind-body intervention (e.g. yoga, mindfulness training, muscle relaxation training, etc) more than once a week in the past 3 months
A total score 24 or higher in Mini-Mental Status Examination for cognitive ability (if the participant endorses a history of cognitive impairment).
Willing to keep any psychiatric medications and psychotherapy stable throughout the course of the study (from Week 0 baseline to Week 12 Follow-up)
Have access to a device (i.e., smartphone, iPad, personal computer) and a stable network to attend the online group sessions
Ability to perform daily physical activity

Exclusion Criteria

Have a primary psychiatric diagnosis other than MDD
Any history of psychosis, mania, or impulsivity and difficulty relating to people and judged by the clinician not appropriate for group intervention
Active eating disorder or substance use disorder within the last 6 months
Any relevant medical conditions that may be the medical basis of depression including thyroid diseases, epilepsy, history of an abnormal EEG, severe head trauma, or stroke
Have serious uncontrolled medical conditions (e.g. poorly controlled diabetes, severe congestive heart failure), or other medical conditions that in the opinion of the investigators represents a risk to the subject, including presence of a pacemaker, cardiac arrhythmia, fever, weakness and hypotension, or vagal nerve stimulator
current active suicidal or self-injurious potential (i.e., PHQ-9 item 9 ≥1 and/or a positive response to C-SSRS screener items 3, 4, 5, or 6), and assessed by the clinician necessitating immediate treatment
Participant who are or who plan to receive confounding treatments (including treatment of endocrinopathies): use of antidepressants, complementary and alternative medical (CAM) treatments thought to have beneficial effects on mood, including St. John's Wort, S-Adenosyl methionine (SAMe), omega-3 fatty acids, light therapy, conventional psychotherapy, mind-body interventions (e.g. Qigong, mindfulness training, muscle relaxation training, etc.)
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) during the last year as these patients are often among the more refractory and are not optimal candidates for CAM
History of refractory to treatment with ≥3 failed antidepressant trials in current depressive episode
Participated in other depression-related clinical trials within the past 3 months
Antidepressant or psychiatric medications that are initiated less than 8 weeks or a dose change less than 4 weeks prior to screening visit
Psychotherapy that has been initiated within the past 3 months

Not sure if you qualify? Submit your interest and a study coordinator will help determine your eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:Is this study available in Boston?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT07610928) has an active research site in Boston, MA that is currently enrolling participants.

Q:Is it safe to participate?

Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. This study has been reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals. You can withdraw at any time.

Q:Will I be compensated?

Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time and travel expenses. Specific compensation details will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is provided at no cost.

Q:Can I leave the trial if I change my mind?

Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.

Still have questions? Our study coordinators are here to help.

Depression / Major Depressive Disorder Treatment Options in Boston, MA

If you're searching for depression / major depressive disorder treatment options in Boston, MA, this clinical trial (NCT07610928) may be an excellent opportunity. Clinical trials provide access to cutting-edge treatments that aren't yet available to the general public, often at no cost to participants.

Our Boston research site is actively enrolling participants for this clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced depression / major depressive disorder specialists who are at the forefront of medical research. All study-related care, including examinations, treatments, and monitoring, is provided at no cost to qualified participants.

Looking for more options? Browse all depression / major depressive disorder clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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