AuthorisedHuman Pharmacology (Phase I)- OtherInterventional

Unraveling the aesthetic mind in anhedonia, insights from pharmacological imaging of the human brain: A single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled cross-over study

This early research study is trying to understand how people with depression experience beautiful things, like art or music. Often, people with depression find it hard to feel pleasure, even from things they once enjoyed. The study uses special brain scans to see how a new treatment might change brain activity when someone is looking at or thinking about beautiful things. It's a 'Phase 1' study, meaning it's one of the first times this treatment is being tested in people. Volunteers will receive either the actual treatment or a dummy pill, and then swap over, so everyone gets both at different times. The aim is to gather basic information and see if further research is needed.

At a glance

Status

Authorised

Phase

Human Pharmacology (Phase I)- Other

Sponsor

Medical University Of Vienna

Enrolment target

Start

30 Oct 2024

Depression

What is this study about?

This research study is about understanding how people with depression experience pleasure, especially from beautiful things like art, music, or nature. Many people with depression find it hard to enjoy things they used to love, a feeling doctors call 'anhedonia'. This study wants to look closely at what's happening in the brain when someone with depression tries to appreciate beauty.

Researchers will use special techniques, like brain scans, to see which parts of the brain are active when people are shown beautiful images or sounds. They will also be testing a new treatment to see if it changes how the brain reacts to these beautiful things and if it could help people with depression feel more pleasure again. This is a very early study, focused on gathering information about how the treatment works in the body and brain, rather than directly treating depression.

Understanding how the brain processes pleasure and beauty in people with depression is really important. If this new treatment helps, it could lead to better ways to support people who struggle to find joy in life. This study is a stepping stone towards potentially developing new and more effective treatments for depression in the future.

Key takeaways

This study explores how depression affects the ability to enjoy beauty.
It uses special brain scans to see how a new treatment might work.
It's an early-stage study testing a new treatment in people for the first time.
Volunteers will take either the study treatment or a dummy pill at different times.
The findings could help develop better treatments for depression in the future.
Participation is for adults aged 18 or older.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be an adult, aged 18 or over. This study is open to both men and women.

Because this is an early study looking at how a new treatment affects the brain, there will likely be other health requirements. For example, you might need to be in overall good physical health, and there could be specific criteria related to your depression diagnosis.

The research team will review your medical history and conduct some health checks to make sure the study is safe for you. They will explain all the requirements in detail before you decide to join.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you have a diagnosis of depression?
Are you able to attend study appointments (which may include brain scans)?
Are you willing to potentially receive a dummy pill at some point in the study?
Are you generally in good health, apart from your depression?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

We don’t have all the details for this specific study, but generally, taking part in a study like this might involve several visits to a clinic or hospital. During these visits, you would likely have health checks, discussions with the study doctor or nurse, and potentially some questionnaires or tasks to complete.

As it involves brain imaging and trying a new treatment, you would also have special brain scans. You would receive either the actual study treatment or a dummy pill (placebo) on different occasions, as it's a 'crossover' study where everyone gets both at some point. The total time you'd be involved in the study, including follow-up, could range from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the specific study design.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in any research study has potential benefits and risks. A potential benefit of this study is helping researchers understand more about depression and how new treatments might work, which could lead to better care for others in the future. You might also gain a better understanding of your own condition. Potential risks could include side effects from the study treatment, although these would be carefully monitored. There's also the time commitment involved and the procedures like brain scans. You always have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

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Unverified
Austria

Common questions

What does 'anhedonia' mean?

Anhedonia is when someone finds it difficult to feel pleasure or enjoyment from activities they used to like, which is often a symptom of depression.

What is a 'dummy pill and crossover study'?

A dummy pill (placebo) looks like the real treatment but has no active medicine. In a 'crossover' study, you'll get the real treatment at one point and the dummy pill at another, so researchers can compare the effects.

Will I know if I'm getting the real treatment or the dummy pill?

This is a 'single-blind' study, meaning you won't know if you're getting the active treatment or the dummy pill at the time. This helps ensure the results are accurate.

What does 'Phase 1' study mean?

Phase 1 studies are among the first times a new treatment is tested in people. They mainly look at how safe the treatment is and how it acts in the body, rather than how well it treats the condition itself.

Will this study cure my depression?

This early-stage study is primarily for research and understanding. While it might provide insights, its main goal isn't to directly cure depression but to gather information for future treatments.