RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Predictors of Relapse in Major Depressive Disorder (PERFORM-D)

This study, called PERFORM-D, wants to understand why major depression often comes back, even after people feel better. Currently, it's hard to know when this might happen. Researchers will look at things like daily activities, sleep patterns, thinking skills, and brain activity in people who have had depression but are now feeling well. The goal is to build a tool that can help predict when a depressive episode might return. This could help doctors step in early to prevent it, improving care for people with depression. This research is a big step towards better understanding and managing this common condition.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Abraham Nunes

Enrolment target

252

Start

27 Dec 2024

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2029

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

What is this study about?

Major depressive disorder is a common condition where people experience periods of low mood, sadness, and loss of interest. One of the biggest challenges for people with depression is that these periods, called episodes, often come back even after they've been successfully treated and are feeling better. Right now, it's very difficult for doctors to predict when a depressive episode might return.

This study aims to change that. Researchers will closely watch different aspects of people's lives, such as their daily routines, how well they sleep, how they think, and even their brain activity. By collecting all this information, they hope to understand the warning signs and patterns that lead to depression coming back. They'll use this information to create a model – like a smart prediction tool – that can help tell doctors who is more likely to experience another depressive episode and when it might happen.

This research is really important because it could lead to better ways of supporting people with depression. If doctors can identify early signs that an episode might be returning, they can offer help sooner. This proactive approach could potentially prevent depressive episodes from fully developing or make them less severe, ultimately improving the lives of many people with depression.

Key takeaways

Aims to predict when depression might come back.
Observes daily habits, sleep, thoughts, and brain activity.
Could help doctors intervene early to prevent new depressive episodes.
Involves wearing a wrist device and attending regular check-ups.
Participation lasts about 18 months.
Contributes to important research for better depression management.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people aged 18 to 70 who have been diagnosed with major depressive disorder and are currently feeling well, meaning their depression symptoms are significantly reduced or gone. You should be able to speak English well enough to complete surveys and be willing to wear a special wrist device.

However, you won't be able to join if you have certain other mental health conditions, like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, or if a doctor thinks there's a serious risk to your safety. You also can't participate if you have major brain conditions, a severe head injury, or any other serious medical issue that might make it hard to take part in the study. Employees of the research team or their close family members cannot participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 18 and 70 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with major depressive disorder?
Are you currently feeling well, with your depression symptoms reduced?
Are you comfortable speaking and understanding English?
Are you willing to wear a wrist device for 18 months?
Do you *not* have a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or schizophrenia?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, you'll be involved for about 18 months. You'll need to wear a small motion-tracking device on your wrist (like a smartwatch) throughout this entire period. Every week, you'll be asked to complete short online questionnaires about your depression and anxiety symptoms.

Every two months, you'll have an in-person appointment at one of the study centres. During these visits, researchers will check your depression symptoms, and you'll also have your speech recorded and undergo an Electroencephalography (EEG) test, which measures your brain activity. If you experience a return of your depression symptoms during the study, these speech and EEG tests will also be conducted at that time.

Potential risks and benefits

By taking part, you'll be contributing valuable information that could lead to a better understanding of depression and how to prevent it from returning, potentially helping many people in the future. While there are no direct benefits to your own health, the study involves minimal risks; you might experience a little discomfort from wearing the wrist device or from the EEG cap. Remember, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (8)

University of Calgary
Verified postcode
Calgary, Canada· Recruiting
University of British Columbia
Verified postcode
Vancouver, Canada· Recruiting
Nova Scotia Health
Verified postcode
Halifax, Canada· Recruiting
McMaster University
Verified postcode
Hamilton, Canada· Recruiting
Queen's University
Verified postcode
Kingston, Canada· Recruiting
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting
University Health Network
Verified postcode
Toronto, Canada· Recruiting
Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences
Verified postcode
Whitby, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is 'major depressive disorder'?

It's a common medical condition where people experience persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and other symptoms that affect their daily life.

What does 'relapse' mean in depression?

It means that after a period of feeling better, the symptoms of depression return and become a problem again.

What is an EEG test?

An EEG is a safe and painless test that measures the electrical activity in your brain using small sensors placed on your scalp.

Do I need to take any new medication for this study?

No, this study doesn't involve any new medications. It's about observing and understanding how depression returns.

Will I get results about my own health?

This study focuses on collecting information for research. You won't receive individual health results, but you'll be helping doctors understand depression better.

How to find out more

Vanessa Pardo, BA (Hons)

cpsy@nshealth.ca 902-473-2697 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.