Advertisement for use for recruitment of volunteers for study ref: 15/EE/0092 approved by NRES committee East of England- Cambridge central. This project contributes to the College's role in conducting research, and teaching research methods. You are under no obligation to reply to this email, however if you choose to, participation in this research is voluntary and you may withdraw at anytime.
If you do choose to take part in this study, you will be reimbursed £25 for your time for the eligibility visit. After this, you may be invited to take part in further investigation. If you do choose to take part in further tests, you will be reimbursed a further £100-£300 depending on which procedures you wish you volunteer for.
Unfortunately, we will not be recruiting the healthy controls until later in the year. If you feel like you are part of this group, please keep an eye on the circulars and contact us at a later date.
Exploring Biomarkers Associated in Healthy Controls and Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
You can take part in this study if you are:
• Diagnosed with depression, have symptoms suggestive of depression
• Male or Female Aged 25-50
• Able to speak, write and understand English
• Willing to abstain from strenuous exercise for 72 hours before assessments
• Must not have a known diagnosis of bipolar disorder, psychosis or current substance abuse.
• BMI ≤ 36 kg/m2
• Contraindications to MRI (e.g. Pacemaker or other implantable device etc)
• Contraindications to PET (e.g. Known kidney disease) (only applicable if you wish to do PET scan option)
What is this study about?
There is a growing body of evidence suggesting that inflammation of the brain and central nervous system is linked to multiple mental health issues, including major depressive disorder (MDD). The purpose of this study is to further investigate the cause and effects of inflammation by comparing individuals with depression to healthy controls. We will do this by comparing a number of different physiological and psychological tests.
If I choose to take part, what does the study involve?
The study is designed in two parts but you may not be asked to participate in all sessions.
The eligibility visit will involve a clinical assessment and questionnaires and we will also take some blood to look at inflammation levels. If you are eligible we will ask you to come back for an MRI scan. The scan will last 90 Mins, and will be early in the morning (you will need to come in around 08:00) as we will take some fasting bloods and ask you to complete some computer tasks.
You will also be asked if you would like to volunteer for two more optional tests: A PET scan and a lumbar puncture. You can participate in one, both or neither of these.