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Depression

Depression is an illness that affects mood and may also affect sleep, appetite or feelings about oneself. In most cases, depression will not resolve on its own. Symptoms may endure for weeks, months or longer without treatment.

Major depression is characterized by either depressed mood or a loss of interest in activities that were previously pleasurable. Individuals may also experience a combination of symptoms that can impair the ability to function (e.g., in work, school and relationships). A person who experiences an episode of major depression may have a lifetime of repeat episodes.

Minor depression is less well known than major depression, but can still have profound effects on daily life and functional ability. Patients with minor depression also experience depressed mood and lack of interest, although they usually have fewer symptoms than those with major depression.

Symptoms of depression include:

• Constant sadness or depressed mood
• Diminished interest or pleasure in most activities
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness or helplessness
• Significant weight loss or gain
• Insomnia or sleeping more than usual without feeling refreshed
• Feelings of restlessness or feeling "slowed down"
• Feelings of fatigue nearly every day
• Inability to concentrate or inability to make decisions
• Recurrent thoughts of death, dying or suicide

If you have had some of the above symptoms for two weeks or more, you may be suffering from depression. Like other medical conditions, depression can be treated. Cedars-Sinai's Psychiatry Research Team may be able to help.

Our Psychiatry Research Team is currently conducting clinical trials dealing with depression and its symptoms. Qualified clinical trial participants will receive study medication, physical exams, and lab tests at no cost.

Our Depression Research Studies:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids for Treatment of Major Depression: A study comparing two different Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA-enriched polyunsaturated fatty acid & DHA-polyunsaturated fatty acid) vs. placebo (an inactive substance) in treating symptoms of major depression. Omega-3 fatty acids are established nutritional supplements. Participation involves 6 visits over 9 weeks, and participants receive up to $140 compensation at the end of the study. Those who complete the study receive a free 2-month supply of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Ziprasidone for Treatment of Depression: A study to compare the effects of ziprasidone on symptoms of depression in subjects ages 18 to 65. Participation requires 14 visits over 14 weeks, with a five in eight chance of receiving ziprasidone over placebo (an inactive substance). Ziprasidone is an FDA-approved medication for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Compensation is up to $700 at the end of participation.

Lexapro and Massage Therapy for Depression in Older Adults: A study to investigate the effects of massage therapy on symptoms of depression in subjects ages 60+. All subjects receive 9 weeks of Lexapro (an FDA-approved antidepressant) and either Swedish massage or light touch for 50 minutes, twice a week for 8 weeks.

Treatment-Resistant Depression Registry: A study to follow patients with treatment-resistant depression who are planning to receive Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) therapy or do not want to receive VNS therapy but are willing to be followed for 5 years as a comparison group. We collect data regarding treatment response, quality of life, productivity, and use of healthcare services. Participants are followed for 5 years and paid $50 per quarterly visit.

To find out more about the clinical trials on depression or to enroll, please contact us at: