AzTrials
AzTrials

Depressive DisorderNCT05927129

Research on the Biological Mechanism of the Efficacy of Psychotherapy for Depression Based on the fNIRS

A study testing Antidepressant, Psychotherapy IPT and The combination of antidepressant and IPT in people with Depressive Disorder, run by First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University at 1 site in China.

Unknown status

Status not confirmed. The sponsor has not verified this record for over two years, so it may be out of date.

Official record
Search all trials

Trial summary

In this project, the investigators will implement medication therapy, psychotherapy, and a combination of medication therapy with psychotherapy, specifically utilizing IPT, in patients with depression. Read more about this study

Who is it for?
Ages 16 to 50 years
Conditions the study is for
Depressive Disorder
What is being tested?
Antidepressant, Psychotherapy IPT and The combination of antidepressant and IPT
Could I receive a placebo?
No, everyone receives an active treatment
How many people
90 participants
Where
1 siteChina
Study dates
1 Jan 2022to 31 Dec 2024
Phase
Interventional
Are there results?
None posted in the registry

Key requirements

Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.

  • Ages 16 to 50 years
  • All sexes
  • No healthy volunteers
  • Child, Adult

Who may be able to join

  • Meet the diagnostic criteria for depression according to the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition).
  • Have at least a junior high school education or higher.
  • Age between 16 and 50 years old.
  • Grew up in a Chinese-speaking environment and are proficient in Mandarin Chinese for effective communication.

Who cannot join

  • Physical illnesses that significantly impact communication and mobility.
  • Co-occurring psychiatric disorders other than depression.
  • History of substance dependence or substance addiction.

Trial locations and contacts

1 site in 1 country.

Chanchan Hu, Bachelor contact

87235948 ext. 0571

violahu@126.com

China1 site, 1 recruiting
  • The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University

    Zhejiang, Hangzhou, 310000

    Chanchan Hu, Bachelor, 87235948 ext. 0571, violahu@126.com

    Recruiting

Other trials in China

About this study

Official title: Research on the Biological Mechanism of the Efficacy of Psychotherapy for Depression Based on the Near-Infrared Functional Imaging System (fNIRS)

In this project, the investigators will implement medication therapy, psychotherapy, and a combination of medication therapy with psychotherapy, specifically utilizing IPT, in patients with depression. Simultaneously, the investigators will conduct comprehensive fNIRS assessments on all patients to evaluate changes in their brain function and determine the level of effectiveness of psychotherapy. The investigators will also employ standardized psychological assessments to evaluate patients, allowing for a comparison of the effectiveness of fNIRS assessments and providing clarity on the efficacy of psychotherapy in patients with depression, as the investigatorsll as the differential efficacy of different treatment approaches, and establishing the biological markers of psychotherapy. Additionally, the investigators will collect blood samples, cranial magnetic resonance images, and electroencephalograms from patients before and after treatment, which will contribute to further exploration of treatment mechanisms in the future.

Read the detailed description

This study utilizes the Near-Infrared Functional Imaging System (fNIRS) as a biological marker for psychotherapy. The investigators propose the following scientific hypothesis: In patients with depression, levels of oxygenated hemoglobin and deoxygenated hemoglobin in different brain regions may fluctuate at different stages of the disease progression and treatment, along with changes in the activation levels of different brain regions. Neuroimaging studies on the neurobiological mechanisms of depression suggest a reduction in gray matter volume in emotion processing areas such as the limbic system, hippocampus, anterior cingulate cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and basal ganglia. Previous neuroimaging studies have found that successful cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) accompanied changes in gray matter volume in the brain, as observed through fMRI. Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT), which is a component of the third wave of CBT, is expected to exhibit more significant expression in cognitive task-based fNIRS during IPT treatment for depression.

In this project, the investigators will implement medication therapy, psychotherapy, and a combination of medication therapy with psychotherapy, specifically utilizing IPT, in patients with depression. Simultaneously, the investigators will conduct comprehensive fNIRS assessments on all patients to evaluate changes in their brain function and determine the level of effectiveness of psychotherapy. The investigators will also employ standardized psychological assessments to evaluate patients, allowing for a comparison of the effectiveness of fNIRS assessments and providing clarity on the efficacy of psychotherapy in patients with depression, as the investigatorsll as the differential efficacy of different treatment approaches, and establishing the biological markers of psychotherapy. Additionally, the investigators will collect blood samples, cranial magnetic resonance images, and electroencephalograms from patients before and after treatment, which will contribute to further exploration of treatment mechanisms in the future.

Being tested
Antidepressant, Psychotherapy IPT, The combination of antidepressant and IPT
Keywords
Functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy, fNIRS, depression, Biological Mechanism, Psychotherapy
Medical subject headings
Depressive Disorder, Depression

What participants receive

What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.

  • AntidepressantDrug

    Patients will receive standardized treatment with antidepressant, and their treatment efficacy will be assessed by a blinded psychological assessor using validated rating scales. The assessment will be conducted monthly, and evaluations will be tracked for a period of three months.

  • Psychotherapy IPTOther

    The participants will receive standardized IPT treatment for 12 weeks. Patients will receive standardized treatment, and their treatment efficacy will be assessed by a blinded psychological assessor using validated rating scales. The assessment will be conducted monthly, and evaluations will be tracked for a period of three months.

  • The combination of antidepressant and IPTOther

    The participants will receive standardized IPT treatment for 12 weeks. Also,long-term antidepressant will be administered in accordance with clinical guidelines. Patients will receive standardized treatment, and their treatment efficacy will be assessed by a blinded psychological assessor using validated rating scales. The assessment will be conducted monthly, and evaluations will be tracked for a period of three months.

Study groups in NCT05927129
Study groupRoleWhat they receive
medication therapy groupActive comparatorPatients randomized to the medication therapy group will receive standardized treatment with antidepressant medications according to clinical guidelines.
Receives: Drug: Antidepressant
Interpersonal Psychotherapy groupActive comparatorThe participants will receive standardized IPT treatment for 12 weeks. IPT therapists have received training from IPT workshops in both China and the United States and obtained the corresponding certifications. IPT therapists focus on the interpersonal domains associated with the onset and maintenance of depression. They guide clients in identifying the connections between their emotional changes and interpersonal difficulties, exploring problems, actively seeking potential interpersonal support and assistance, improving interpersonal skills, helping clients alleviate symptoms, enhance their quality of life, and adapt better to society.
Receives: Other: Psychotherapy IPT
combination of medication therapy and Interpersonal Psychotherapy groupExperimentalPatients randomized to this group will receive standardized treatment with antidepressant medications according to clinical guidelines. The participants will also receive standardized IPT treatment for 12 weeks. IPT therapists have received training from IPT workshops in both China and the United States and obtained the corresponding certifications. IPT therapists focus on the interpersonal domains associated with the onset and maintenance of depression. They guide clients in identifying the connections between their emotional changes and interpersonal difficulties, exploring problems, actively seeking potential interpersonal support and assistance, improving interpersonal skills, helping clients alleviate symptoms, enhance their quality of life, and adapt better to society.
Receives: Other: The combination of antidepressant and IPT

What is being measured

The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.

  1. Changes in fNIRS (functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy) after treatment.

    The instrument used in this study is a 52-channel Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) brain imaging system. It indirectly calculates the relative changes in levels of oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin in different brain regions by detecting two different wavelengths of near-infrared light (695 nanometers and 830 nanometers). These changes reflect alterations in brain function. The instrument primarily utilizes 17 optical emitters and 16 optical detectors to acquire data. The emitters and detectors are positioned 3.0 centimeters apart, and the measurement area between the probes is defined as a channel. The NIRS probes are arranged in a 3×11 matrix, forming 52 measurement channels. Following the international 10-20 system, the lowest channel is aligned with the Fp1-Fp2 line. The probe coverage of this instrument allows for the measurement of relative changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin signals in bilateral frontal and temporal cortical regions.

    Measured: Baseline, 4-weeks, 8-weeks,12-weeks.

  2. Change in remission rate of Hamilton Depression Scale (24-items) (HAM-D24) score after treatment.

    The Hamilton Depression Scale (24-items) (HAM-D24), is a 24 item diagnostic questionnaire used to measure the severity of depressive episodes in patients with mood disorders. Higher HAM-D24 score indicates more severe depression, and each item yields a score of 0 to 4.

    Remission is defined as HAM-D24 ≤8.

    Measured: Baseline, 4-weeks, 8-weeks,12-weeks.

Secondary outcomes (3)
  1. Change in remission rate of Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score after treatment.

    The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) is a screening tool used to assess symptoms of depression. It consists of nine questions that are designed to measure the severity of depressive symptoms experienced by an individual. Each question corresponds to one of the nine criteria for major depressive disorder as outlined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Each question is scored on a scale from 0 to 3, with higher scores indicating greater severity of symptoms. The total score ranges from 0 to 27, with higher scores indicating a higher likelihood of clinical depression. The PHQ-9 is widely used in both clinical and research settings to assess the presence and severity of depressive symptoms, monitor treatment progress, and aid in the diagnosis of depression.

    Measured: Baseline, 4-weeks, 8-weeks,12-weeks.

  2. Change in remission rate of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) score after treatment.

    The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) is a widely used self-assessment tool for screening depression. Developed by American psychologist Aaron T. Beck in 1961, it aims to measure the severity of depressive symptoms experienced by an individual.

    The BDI consists of 21 items, each describing different aspects of depressive symptoms such as mood, loss of interest in activities, self-evaluation, changes in weight, sleep quality, and more. Individuals are required to rate their experiences based on a four-point scale ranging from 0 to 3, reflecting the intensity of each symptom.

    The total score on the BDI can range from 0 to 63, with higher scores indicating more severe depressive symptoms. The questionnaire is designed to assess the presence and severity of depression, monitor treatment progress, and aid in the diagnosis of depression.

    Measured: Baseline, 4-weeks, 8-weeks,12-weeks.

  3. Change in remission rate of the Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI) score after treatment.

    The Beck Scale for Suicidal Ideation (SSI) is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess the presence and severity of suicidal thoughts and ideation. It was developed by Aaron T. Beck, a renowned psychologist, to aid in the evaluation of suicidal risk.

    The SSI consists of 19 items that explore different dimensions of suicidal ideation, including the intensity, frequency, duration, and specificity of suicidal thoughts. The questionnaire assesses both passive (e.g., "I wish I were dead") and active (e.g., "I have a plan to kill myself") suicidal ideation.

    Each item is rated on a scale from 0 to 2, with higher scores indicating a greater severity of suicidal ideation. The total score on the SSI can range from 0 to 38, providing an overall assessment of the individual's suicidal thoughts.

    Measured: Baseline, 4-weeks, 8-weeks,12-weeks.

Timeline

From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.

  1. First posted3 Jul 2023
  2. Study start1 Jan 2022
  3. Primary completion31 Dec 2024 (estimated)
  4. Study completion31 Dec 2024 (estimated)

Resources

More details

For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.

Study design
Study type
Interventional
Phase
Phase N/A
Primary purpose
Treatment
Allocation
Randomised
Intervention model
Parallel groups
Masking
Single blind
Who is masked
Outcomes assessor
Enrolment
90 participants (estimated)
IDs, dates and publications
ClinicalTrials.gov ID
NCT05927129
Sponsor's protocol ID
2022-KY1-001-070
Status last verified
Jun 2023
First submitted
13 Jun 2023
Last updated
3 Jul 2023
Results posted
No
Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No

Questions about this trial

What is this clinical trial studying?

A study testing Antidepressant, Psychotherapy IPT and The combination of antidepressant and IPT in people with Depressive Disorder, run by First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University at 1 site in China.

The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.

Who may be eligible to take part?

The sponsor lists 4 inclusion and 3 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.

Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?

The record says: status not confirmed, as of the sponsor's last update on 3 Jul 2023. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.

Where is the study taking place?

The record lists 1 site in China. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.

What are the possible benefits and risks?

They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.

Are results available for this study?

Results are not available in the source record.

How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?

Contact Chanchan Hu, Bachelor (87235948 ext. 0571, violahu@126.com), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.

What does the primary outcome measure?

Changes in fNIRS (functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy) after treatment. (time frame: Baseline, 4-weeks, 8-weeks,12-weeks.). The study lists 2 primary outcomes in all. It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.

Where can I read the original study information?
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?

No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.

How often is this information updated?

AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 3 Jul 2023.

Free account

Log in to keep searching

You’ve used your 3 free searches. AzTrials is free: log in or create a free account to keep searching clinical trials and save the ones you want to follow.

Create a free accountLog in