Access cutting-edge healthy volunteer treatment through this phase 1 clinical trial at a research site in Bethesda. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.
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This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines
All study-related healthy volunteer treatment provided free
Check if you qualify for this healthy volunteer clinical trial in Bethesda, MD
No-Cost Study Care
Local to Bethesda
Convenient for MD 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.
Background: Most medications that treat depression take weeks or months to work. Researchers want to develop fast-acting treatments. One dose of ketamine has a rapid antidepressant effect. For most people, this lasts a week or less. Repeated doses of ketamine may help maintain this effect. Objective: Main Study: To study the effects of ketamine in treating depression. Ketamine Metabolites Substudy: To study how ketamine effects brain chemistry. To study how ketamine effects the brain. This is done by looking at metabolites, which are created when a drug is broken down. Eligibility: Main Study: People ages 18-65 with major depressive disorder and healthy volunteers Ketamine Metabolites Substudy: Healthy volunteers ages 18-65 Design: Main Study: Participants will be screened in another study, with: * Medical and psychiatric history * Psychiatric and physical exam * Blood, urine, and heart tests Participants will be inpatients at NIH for 4 phases totaling 14-20 weeks. Phase I (2-7 weeks): * Gradually stop current medications * MRI: Participants lie and perform tasks in a machine that takes pictures of the body. * Mood and thinking tests * Blood and urine tests * Sleep test: Monitors on the skin record brain waves, breathing, heart rate, and movement during sleep. * Transcranial magnetic stimulation: A coil on the scalp gives an electrical current that affects brain activity. * Stress tests: Electrodes on the skin measure reactions to loud noises or electric shocks. Phase I tests are repeated in Phases II and III and in the final visit. Phase II (4-5 weeks): * 4 weekly IV infusions of ketamine or a placebo during an MRI or MEG. For the MEG, a cone over the head records brain activity. Phase III (optional): * 8 infusions of ketamine over 4 weeks Phase IV (optional): * Symptoms monitoring for 4 weeks * Participants will have a final visit. They will be offered standard treatment at NIH for up to 2 months. Ketamine Metabolites Substudy: Participants will be screened in another study, with: * Medical and psychiatric history * Psychiatric and physical exam * Blood, urine, and heart tests Participants will be inpatients at NIH for 4 days. Study Procedures: Mood and thinking tests Blood and urine tests 1 infusion of ketamine Spinal tap and spinal catheter: Used to get samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This is a fluid that moves around and within the brain and spinal cord. Studying CSF will help us learn how ketamine effects brain chemistry
Sponsor: National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Yes, this clinical trial (NCT03065335) has an active research site in Bethesda, MD that is currently enrolling participants.
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.
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.
Absolutely. Participation is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty.
If you're searching for healthy volunteer treatment options in Bethesda, MD, this clinical trial (NCT03065335) 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 Bethesda research site is actively enrolling participants for this phase 1 clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced healthy volunteer 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.