Houston, TXNCT05418894Now EnrollingIRB Ready

Treatment Resistant Depression Clinical Trial in Houston, TX

Access cutting-edge treatment resistant depression treatment through this clinical trial at a research site in Houston. Study-provided care at no cost to qualified participants.

Sponsored by Baylor College of Medicine

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Expert Care in Houston

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IRB Approved

This study follows strict safety protocols and ethical guidelines

No-Cost Care

All study-related treatment resistant depression treatment provided free

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Why Participate?

  • No-Cost Study Care

  • Local to Houston

    Convenient for TX 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 Houston site if eligible
  4. 4Begin participation

About This Treatment Resistant Depression Study in Houston

The overall goal of this study is to map the spatiotemporal dynamics of social affective processing and to examine selective modulation of these dynamics in humans undergoing invasive intracranial monitoring for treatment-resistant epilepsy and depression. Pursuing this signal from a novel platform with invasive intracranial recording electrodes provides much-needed spatial and temporal resolution to characterize the neural dynamics of socio-affective processing. The investigators will leverage first-in-human intracranial neural recording opportunities created by a novel therapeutic platform termed "stereotactic electroencephalography-informed deep brain stimulation" (stereo-EEG-informed DBS), as well as the powerful platform of intracranial stereotactic recording and stimulation in patients undergoing epilepsy surgical evaluation at Baylor College of Medicine. The sEEG-informed DBS trial provides unique opportunities for intracranial recording of affect-relevant network regions in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Recordings in identical regions in epilepsy patients who themselves often demonstrate mild-moderate depressive symptoms will provide a wide dynamic range across the symptom spectrum. To provide critical data on the spatiotemporal dynamics of socio-affective processing the investigators will leverage these two human intracranial recording and stimulation cohorts to study the precise structural, functional, and causal properties of the affective salience network. Greater understanding of the social processing circuitry mediated by the affective salience network may be used to drive therapeutic innovation, pioneering a new paradigm that improves socio-emotional function across a wide variety of neuropsychiatric conditions. The results from this proposal have the potential to improve the lives of patients with dysfunction in social affective processing, with implications for a wide range of neuropsychiatric diseases.

Sponsor: Baylor College of Medicine

Who Can Participate

Inclusion Criteria

Men and women (non-pregnant) between ages 22 and 70;
DSM-5 diagnosis (assessed by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-5 Axis I disorders SCID-5) of major depression disorder (MDD) as the primary diagnosis. A current major depressive episode (MDE), recurrent or single episode with first episode before age 60, secondary to nonpsychotic unipolar major depressive disorder;
Chronic illness with current MDE ≥24 months duration and/or recurrent illness with at least a total of 2 lifetime episodes (including current episode \>12 months);
Treatment resistance (defined by criteria on the Antidepressant Treatment History Form ATHF): Failure (i.e. persistence of the major depressive episode) to respond to a minimum of four adequate depression treatments from at least two different treatment categories (e.g. SSRIs, SNRIs, TCAs, other antidepressants, lithium-addition, irreversible MAOIs, antidepressant augmentation with an atypical antipsychotic medication);
Previous trial of Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) (lifetime): either did not respond, relapsed, poorly tolerated or refused. If refused, will discuss reasons and ensure subject understands relative risks of ECT versus DBS. We will try to enrich sample with patients who had previously shown response to ECT (or another intervention) that was partial or un-sustained;
Symptom severity for Screening: Hamilton Depression Rating Scale-17 item (HDRS17) ≥20;
The HDRS17 must remain greater than or equal to 20 on two separate assessments (at initial screening and 1 week before surgery), over a 1-month period;
Symptom severity for Outcome: Montgomery Asberg Rating Scale (MADRS) ≥27 to be met at assessment one-week pre-op;
Lifetime exposure to minimal 6 weeks of psychotherapy without sustained response;
Must have a brain MRI within 3 months of enrollment that is "normal", according to the radiology report, or does not reveal any findings that in the opinion of the Investigator preclude participation in the study;
Stable antidepressant medication regimen for the month preceding surgery;
Modified mini-mental state examination (MMSE) score ≥ 24;
Normal thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level within 12 months of study entry;
The patient does not have any medical or physical conditions which, in the opinion of the Investigator, make it unlikely the patient will be able to participate for the duration of the study;
Able and willing to give informed consent and agree to attend regular clinic visits for at least 12 months following surgery;
Must have a treating psychiatrist, a family member, significant other/living partner, a caregiver, or a person known by the subject present at the Screening visit for the discussion about the study before co-signing the informed consent form;
Willingness to sign Treatment Contract;
Agrees to be followed at regular intervals by a licensed psychiatrist and to provide written permission allowing any and all forms of communication between the research team and the subject's healthcare providers, for the entirety of the study;
Both male and female patients who undergo placement of intracranial electrodes for clinical characterization of epilepsy.

Exclusion Criteria

DSM-5 Axis I Disorders: any lifetime history of psychotic disorder (e.g., schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder);
Bipolar disorder with rapid cycling and history of manic episode requiring hospitalization within the past 5 years;
Clinically significant Cluster A or B personality disorder;
Alcohol or substance use disorder within 6 months, excluding nicotine;
Urine drug test positive for illicit drugs;
Any evidence or indication of suicidal intent, suicidal attempt, or suicidal behavior, including but not limited to the C-SSRS score, within the past one year;
Neurological/Medical condition that makes the patient, in the opinion of the surgeon, a poor surgical candidate (e.g., progressive neurodegenerative disorder, significant cardiopulmonary disorder, need for chronic anticoagulation);
Any history of seizure disorder, hemorrhagic stroke, or has high risk of seizure (history of congenital brain malformation, history of brain injury, neuro-developmental disorder, currently taking medication that is known to lower seizure threshold, or other factors that predispose seizures);
Any medical contraindication to surgery such as infection;
Coagulopathy: Bleeding propensity and/or one of the following: INR \> 1.5; prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) ≥ 45 sec; platelet count \< 100×103/uL;
A blood pressure of ≥ 180/110 mmHg at a single visit and evidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD);
Participation in another drug, device, or biological trial within 90 days;
Current implanted stimulation devices including cardiac pacemakers, defibrillators, and neurostimulators including spinal cord stimulators and deep brain stimulators;
Pregnant or has plans to become pregnant in the next 24 months;
Anticipated need for MRI;
Need for Diathermy;
Chronic use of anticoagulant or anti-platelet agents that cannot be safely stopped for a sufficient duration (minimum 2.5 weeks) in the peri-operative period.
Any Psychiatric/Neurological/Medical condition that makes the subject, in the opinion of the Investigator, a poor candidate.

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 Houston?

Yes, this clinical trial (NCT05418894) has an active research site in Houston, TX 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.

Treatment Resistant Depression Treatment Options in Houston, TX

If you're searching for treatment resistant depression treatment options in Houston, TX, this clinical trial (NCT05418894) 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 Houston research site is actively enrolling participants for this clinical trial. You'll receive care from experienced treatment resistant depression 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 treatment resistant depression clinical trials near you to find additional studies recruiting in your area.

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