The Black Dog Institute is currently running a treatment trial for individuals who are currently experiencing melancholic depression. The trial consists of three separate treatments which include: individual cognitive behavioural therapy; OR treatment with an antidepressant; OR treatment with a combination of psychotropic medications. The purpose of this trial is to investigate the most effective treatment option for individuals with melancholic depression.
Official Title
Conditions
- Melancholic depression
Study Type
Study Design
Treatment, Randomised Study.
Further Details
Melancholic depression is a very "physical" type of depression – the patient feels slowed down and/or agitated, lacks energy (finding it hard to get out of bed in the morning), has impaired concentration, and their mood is usually anhedonic or non-reactive. There is usually a family history of depression.
Study Start
26 January 2009
Eligibility & Criteria
- Aged between 18 and 60
- Able to commit to a twelve week treatment program
- Duration of current melancholic episode is greater than 4 weeks and less than 2 years
- No comorbid diagnoses of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), an eating disorder, bipolar disorder, or a psychotic illness
- Not substance dependant
- Not currently taking any antidepressant medication, and have not taken any in the last 12 months
- Not currently, and have not participated in cognitive behavioural therapy for 5 years
- Previously not failed more than one antidepressant treatment trial
- Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding
- Interested in participating
Total Enrolment
Contact Details
Bianca Blanch
Black Dog Institute
(02) 9382 9268
melancholicstudy@unsw.edu.au
For more information on the trial, click here.
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