Does Fluoxetine Have an Effect on the CNS CRF Systems in Women Abused in Childhood?

Major Depressive Disorder Clinical Trial

Official title: Does Fluoxetine Reverse the Effects of Early Life Stress on the CNS Corticotropin-Releasing Factor System and Improve Psychological and Neuroendocrine Function?: A Therapy Outcome Study in Women With Childhood Abuse Experiences

Status Completed

Clinical Trial Summary

The primary objective of this project is to determine whether treatment with the SSRI, fluoxetine versus placebo reverses alterations in the central CRF system induced by early life stress experiences (i.e. childhood sexual and/or physical abuse) in cases with and without major depression. We also evaluate whether neuroendocrine changes after SSRI treatment correlate with clinical improvement.

Clinical Trial Description

We compare indices of central CRF activity (i.e. ACTH and cortisol response to CRF stimulation test) before and after 8 weeks of treatment with either fluoxetine or placebo between women with a history of childhood abuse (early life stress, ELS) and current major depression (ELS/MDD), women with a history of childhood abuse without major depression (ELS/non-MDD), and women without a history of childhood abuse and major depression (non-ELS/MDD). Changes in neuroendocrine responses to CRF are correlated with psychological outcome measures. We hypothesize that treatment with fluoxetine will normalize altered neuroendocrine responsiveness in cases with ELS and that this normalization will be correlated with improvement of symptoms of depression and anxiety. ;

Study Design

Allocation: Randomized, Endpoint Classification: Efficacy Study, Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment, Masking: Double Blind (Subject, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor), Primary Purpose: Treatment

Related Conditions & MeSH terms

• Depression
• Depressive Disorder
• Depressive Disorder, Major
• Major Depressive Disorder

• NCT number: NCT00208897
• Study type: Interventional
• Source: Emory University
• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Start date: December 1997
• Completion date: November 2007