Paroxetine/Bupropion in Depression With Suicide Attempt or Thoughts: fMRI Study

Depression Clinical Trial

Official title: SSRI Versus Bupropion in High-Risk Major Depressive Disorder

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

This study uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate the effects of two different antidepressant medications (Paxil CR versus Wellbutrin XL) on reward processing in depressed patients who have attempted suicide or are currently experiencing suicidal thoughts.

Clinical Trial Description

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common and serious psychiatric illness. It is among the leading causes of disability and is the psychiatric disorder most often associated with suicide. The treatment of MDD with antidepressant medication remains largely trial and error. Little empirical evidence exists to guide the treatment of MDD when suicide risk is a major factor.

The study uses functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to compare the effects of paroxetine, an SSRI, versus bupropion, a non-SSRI, on brain activity in depressed patients with a past suicide attempt and/or current suicidal thoughts. Participants are randomly assigned to either paroxetine or bupropion treatment for 8 weeks, with fMRI scans involving a reward processing task at baseline and Week 8. Weekly study visits include interviews with a psychologist, self-report scales, and medication monitoring. All participants will then be offered 4 additional months of open clinical treatment. If original medication assignments prove to be ineffective, participants will have the option to switch to another medication. After completing the study, participants will be referred for ongoing treatment. ;

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Depression
• Depressive Disorder
• Depressive Disorder, Major
• Suicidal Ideation

• NCT number: NCT01748955
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: New York State Psychiatric Institute
• Status: Completed
• Phase: Phase 4
• Start date: June 2010
• Completion date: March 2015