Psychotherapy for Depression

(RESPOND Trial)

Overseen By Katerina Dikaios, MSc

Age: 18+

Sex: Female

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

50 Participants Needed

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

The RESPOND trial explores the link between early life adversity and later life depressive symptoms. The investigators have designed a new psychological therapy tailored to address the symptoms that can be caused by difficult experiences in early life. These symptoms include low mood, emotional dysregulation, and distressing thoughts and beliefs related to difficult or traumatic experiences. The investigators would like to see if this new therapy helps people feel better. The investigators are also studying the biological changes that can occur as a result of early life adversity, and how this therapy may influence those changes. To do this, The investigators ask questions about participants' physical and mental health and take blood samples.

Who Is on the Research Team?

Benicio Frey, MD, PhD

Principal Investigator

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

Sheryl Green, PhD

Principal Investigator

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

Jenna Boyd, PhD

Principal Investigator

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for individuals who have depression linked to early life stress or trauma. Participants should be experiencing symptoms like low mood, emotional instability, and distressing thoughts due to past difficult experiences. Specific eligibility details are not provided.

Inclusion Criteria

At or above 18 on HAM-D, indicative of moderate-severe depressive symptoms

I am 18 years old or older.

I have experienced significant challenges or trauma in my childhood.

Exclusion Criteria

Individuals experiencing active mania or psychosis

Individuals with an active substance use disorder

Individuals presenting with active suicide risk (plan, intention, means) indicative of a need for higher level care

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Psychotherapy

Trial Overview The RESPOND trial is testing a new psychotherapy designed for those affected by childhood adversity. It aims to improve depressive symptoms and emotional regulation while also examining biological changes through health questionnaires and blood tests.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Psychotherapy arm Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The psychotherapy intervention will be delivered virtually over 12 weeks, 1x/week for 2 hours, in groups of 6-8 participants.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

Lead Sponsor

Trials

203

Recruited

26,900+

Sun Life Financial Movement Disorders Research and Rehabilitation Centre

Collaborator

Trials

10

Recruited

510+