The University of Nebraska Medical Center is seeking 18 adults age 65
and older who are experiencing depression to participate in a study examining
a new anti-depressant.
Unlike other anti-depressants, which work by increasing serotonin or
norepinephrine in the brain, the new drug works in a different location
in the nervous system, said William Burke, M.D., professor and vice-chairman
of the department of psychiatry at UNMC and principal investigator on the
study.
UNMC is one of 30 universities, including the University of California
Los Angeles, the University of Rochester and Washington University, testing
the new drug, which is currently unnamed. UNMC received a $294,288 grant
from a pharmaceutical company to conduct the study.
“It’s an anti-depressant that works differently than any other medication
currently available and one we think would be particularly helpful for
older adults,” Dr. Burke said. “Because of the way the drug operates, potentially
it could reduce the usual anti-depressant side effects.”
Typical side effects of anti-depressants include nausea, sexual dysfunction,
headaches and anxiety. Studies of the drug in younger people yielded positive
results for minimizing side effects, Dr. Burke said.
“Specifically, we hope that the new drug would cause fewer gastrointestinal
side effects,” Dr. Burke said. “We’re looking for it to cause less nausea
and anxiety, and also help with sleep loss, which is a problem in older
depressed patients.”
UNMC was selected to be part of the study because of its dedication
to geriatric psychiatry, Dr. Burke said. “UNMC has a large geriatric psychiatry
group that’s done a lot of psycho-pharmacology research,” he said. “As
a part of this study we will maintain our commitment to understanding depression
in older adults and to finding better methods of treatment.”
Individuals with depression usually exhibit four the following symptoms
for at least two to four weeks: sleep disturbance; decreased energy, appetite,
interest in activities and concentration; increased restlessness, anxiety,
guilt and suicidal thoughts.
The study, which lasts about one year, will be done in two stages. During
the first stage all participants will take the drug for 10 weeks. Then,
only participants who have responded well to the medication will enter
the second stage where they will receive a placebo or further doses of
the drug. The second stage lasts about a year.
“The study will rely on interviews with participants to determine their
response to the drug,” Dr. Burke said.
Eligible study participants should be in reasonably good health, cognitively
intact and have little to no memory problems. UNMC doctors will screen
potential candidates who think they suffer from depression but have not
been diagnosed. Candidates on anti-depressants are eligible in some cases.
Individuals age 65 and older who are experiencing depression, as well
as those who think they are experiencing depression, should call UNMC at
(402) 354-6868 for more information about the study.