May 2008

Trials to help treat major depression

Peninsula Health is looking for volunteers to take part in two trials studying the effects of treatment for people with major depression disorder (MDD).

The first trial will study a new type of drug that may help treat people suffering from MDD. 

The drug, Lu AA21004, is an experimental form of treatment that will be simultaneously trialled in 24 countries around the world. 

‘This is essentially a trial for people with major depression,’ said Peninsula Health Psychiatric Services Clinical Director Associate Professor Richard Newton.

Depression is one of the most common forms of mental illnesses. 

MDD is a disabling severe illness that affects 5.1 per cent of the population. 

‘Sufferers experience chronic and repeated episodes and in many cases do not respond to depression treatment,’ said Associate Professor Newton, principal investigator for the project.

‘By 2020, MDD is expected to rank as the second most common disease, after heart disease, to affect people.

‘More than 600 participants will take part in the world-wide study with the hope of finding an effective form of treatment for MDD.

‘The safety of the drug has already been tested on healthy volunteers.’

The first phase of the study will take 12 weeks during which participants will be required to attend up to eight appointments at Frankston Hospital. 

Phase two of the study is voluntary and participants will be required to attend up to 13 appointments at Frankston Hospital over 52 weeks.

The second trial will be conducted by Monash University and will study the effects of meditation and supported self-monitoring in the prevention of depression relapse.

Studies have shown that 60–70 per cent of people who have recovered from depression will relapse in the first year. 

‘People who have suffered three episodes of depression have a 90 per cent chance of relapse,’ said Associate Professor Newton. 

The DARE (Depression Awareness Recovery Effectiveness) project requires volunteers who have suffered at least three previous episodes or relapses of depression. 

Participants will be divided into two groups to study the effects of two different styles of relapse management. 

‘One group will take part in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, combining meditation and simple yoga techniques with skills that helps them identify and manage their negative thoughts and emotions,’ said Associate Professor Newton.   

Participants will be required to attend a two-hour session each week for eight weeks at Frankston Hospital.

‘The second group will take part in active depression relapse monitoring and will be taught to monitor their symptoms and seek appropriate assistance if signs occur. 

‘During the study, participants will be required to make monthly contact with researchers,’ Associate Professor Newton added.

Throughout the trial period participants will be assessed four and eight weeks into the project and then at three-monthly intervals for two years to track their responses and relapse prevention.

Volunteers in both studies must be aged between 18 and 75. 

Volunteers in the depression drug trial must not have any other type of mental illness. 

Participants in both trials will be offered travel allowances or gift vouchers.

•           People interested in volunteering for the clinical drug trial should contact Whenua Oner or Xenia Jung in Peninsula Health’s psychiatric services on 9784 7105. 

•           People interested in the depression relapse prevention trial should contact Dr Fran Shawyer on 9554 1585 or 0400 665 676.