Depression
MAPrc’s researchers are currently working on a number of projects investigating new diagnostic and treatment methods for people experiencing depression
The following projects are currently recruiting participants. Please contact us if you wish to receive futher information or take part in a project.
Major Depression and Decision-making
Volunteers with a diagnosis of Major Depression are sought for an electroencephalography (EEG) resarch study being conducted at the Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc). EEG is a painless and non-invasive procedure for measuring brain activity.
The aim of this study is to investigate how the brain mechanisms involved in decision-making are affected in people with depression. We hope this research will help to improve our understanding of the neurobiology of depression.
Participants need to meet the following eligibility criteria:
- A diagnosis of Major Depression
- Not currently taking any medication (or no more than one anti-depressant)
- Right-handed
- Aged 18-65
- No brain injury/head injury
- No history of substance abuse (including alcohol)
Participants will be asked to attend a single 3.5 hour session at the MAPrc (located at 607 St Kilda Road, Melbourne 3004). This session will comprise an interview session, and an EEG session, where we will measure your brain activity while you carry out some simple computerised decision-making tasks. Participants will be reimbursed up to $30 for their participation.
If you are interested in taking part, please contact Phillip Hall - phillip.hall@monash.edu
Tibolone and Escitalopram in Perimenopausal Depression
Clinical trials of a hormone treatment called Tibolone, for the treatment of depression in peri and post menopause. To take part in this study you must be physically well, aged 45-65 be experiencing depression and able to give informed consent. For further details click here or contact Emmy Gavrilidis or Tamsyn Van Rheenen on 9076 6564 or email emmy.gavrilidis@monash.edu or tamsyn.van-rheenen@monash.edu
Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for depression
TMS uses magnetic pulses to change activity in the areas of the brain thought to be related to this illness, and is being investigated as an alternative treatment for people, who have not responded to antidepressant medication, are experiencing the depressive phase of bipolar disorder, or who developed depression following a head injury.For further information click here or contact Dr. Sally Herring on 9076 6596 or email sally.herring@monash.edu
Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST) for depression
MST uses a magnetic field to induce a seizure for therapeutic purposes, and is being investigated as an alternative to Electroconvulsive therapy for severe depression.For further information click here or contact Dr. Kate Hoy on 9076 5034 or email kate.hoy@monash.edu
Deep Brain Stimulation for depression
Deep Brain Stimulation involves the precise implantation of very small electrodes into specific areas of the brain, in an attempt to change activity in those and related areas and improve the symptoms of very severe, treatment resistant depression.For further information click here or contact Dr. Rebecca Segrave on 9076 5030 or email rebecca.segrave@monash.edu
EVestG (ElectrovestibuloGraphy)
A new technique, EVestG (ElectrovestibuloGraphy) in being investigated as a possible objective method for diagnosing participants with depression.For further information click here or contact MAPrc on 9076 6564 or email maprc@monash.edu
iSpotD
Little is known about how to treat depression and most depressed individuals often take a number of medications to find out which medication best suits them. iSPOT-D is a large international study to find out who will respond to which antidepressant. The principal aim is to get the prescription right the first time. You may be eligible if you are aged 18–65 and have already been diagnosed or suspect you have depression. The study involves two testing sessions and seven telephone check-ins within 12 months. You will also provide a blood sample to the researchers and receive treatment from you own doctor. Participants will be reimbursed for their time. For further information click here or contact Mirjana Stojkovic on mirjana.stojkovic@monash.edu
Mood and Oral Contraceptives
An observational study of women taking / not taking hormonal contraception (i.e. COCP, POP, Implanon, DMPA) exploring current mood & risk and resistance factors for adverse mood change. To take part in this study you must be a female 18 years of age or older, able to give informed consent and not currently pregnant, breast-feeding or menopausal.For further information click here or contact Emmy Gavrilidis on 9076 6913 or email emmy.gavrilidis@monash.edu
NRAMP - National Register of Antipsychotic Medication in Pregnancy
An observational study for women who are taking or have taken antipsychotic medications during their pregnancy.For further information click here or contact Heather Gilbert 9076 6591 or email heather.gilbert@monash.edu
Brian function and neurological health
A neuroimaging study using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and electroencephalography (EEG), in conjunction with cognitive testing and blood biomarkers, to look at the emotional brain function and neurological health in depression. For further information click here or contact Peter Goodin on 0425 798 610 or email pgoodin@swin.edu.au
