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Genetics of Recurrent Early Onset Major Depression

Completed
Conditions
Depression
Registration Number
NCT00260182
Lead Sponsor
Stanford University
Brief Summary

This study will identify specific genes that may cause a predisposition to depression in some families.

Detailed Description

Depression is a serious medical illness that is often difficult to diagnose and treat. Studies on patterns of depression within families suggest that inherited genes may cause a predisposition to the disorder. People with early onset depression often have more relatives with depression than people whose depression does not begin until later in life. It is likely that several interacting genes cause this tendency towards the disorder, rather than one specific gene. This study will serve to identify particular genes that may cause a susceptibility to depression in order to better understand the brain mechanisms involved with severe depression. In turn, this may aid in the development of new treatments for depression.

Participation in this observational study will entail one interview and one blood test. Participants will be interviewed, either in person or by telephone, about their personal and family psychiatric history. The blood sample will be collected at a time and location that is convenient for the participant. Participants may also be asked to invite other family members to participate in the study.

For information on a related study please follow this link:

http://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT00005914

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
2302
Inclusion Criteria
  • History of recurrent major depression
  • Has a parent or sibling with a history of recurrent major depression
  • Depression began before the age of 31
Exclusion Criteria
  • Bipolar I (manic-depressive) disorder
  • Schizophrenia

Study & Design

Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Study Design
Not specified
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Major depressive disorder diagnosisOne patient interview session (typically 2 hours), and blood draw (10-20 minutes)

The study will correlate genome-wide SNP genotypes with case vs. control status, defined by presence or absence of major depressive disorder.

Participants will attend an interview regarding personal and family history of psychiatric disorders, and give a blood specimen. Genotypes from blood samples will be studied for association with presence of major depressive disorder.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (6)

Stanford University

🇺🇸

Palo Alto, California, United States

Howard University

🇺🇸

Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Rush University Medical Center

🇺🇸

Chicago, Illinois, United States

University of Iowa

🇺🇸

Iowa City, Iowa, United States

Johns Hopkins University

🇺🇸

Baltimore, Maryland, United States

Columbia University/New York State Psychiatric Institute

🇺🇸

New York, New York, United States

Stanford University
🇺🇸Palo Alto, California, United States
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