RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

The Taste-Mood Diagnostic Study

This study, called 'The Taste-Mood Diagnostic Study', is exploring whether a taste test could be a useful tool for diagnosing depression. It aims to see if changes in taste sensitivity might be linked to how people respond to their prescribed antidepressant medication. If you take part, you'll have taste tests several times: before you start your antidepressant, soon after, and then again about six to eight weeks later. Researchers will compare these taste test results with how you're feeling, using questionnaires. The goal is to see if this taste test can help doctors understand and treat depression better in the future.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Ranvier Health Ltd

Enrolment target

240

Start

06 Jun 2022

Estimated completion

28 Feb 2025

Depression

What is this study about?

This study is looking into a really interesting idea: could your sense of taste be linked to your mood, especially when it comes to depression? Scientists have found some connections between the chemicals that control taste and those in the brain that affect mood. This study aims to build on that knowledge and see if a simple taste test could help doctors diagnose depression and even work out if a particular antidepressant treatment might be effective for you.

Taking part in this study would involve doing a taste test when you start a new antidepressant that your GP has prescribed. You'd then do another taste test soon after taking your first dose, and a final one about six to eight weeks later. At these times, you would also fill out some questionnaires about your mood. The researchers will then compare your taste test results with your mood questionnaire answers to see if there's a pattern.

The main goal is to uncover whether a taste test could become a quick and easy way to help doctors understand more about your depression and how well treatments might work for you. It's about finding new ways to help people get the right care for their depression.

Key takeaways

Exploring if taste tests can help diagnose depression.
Investigating links between taste and how antidepressants work.
Participation involves taste tests and mood questionnaires.
You must be starting a new antidepressant for your depression.
The study lasts about six to eight weeks.
Contributes to understanding depression and future treatments.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for people who have been diagnosed with depression but haven't started antidepressant medication for it yet, or haven't taken antidepressant medication for at least six weeks. You would need to be well enough to take part in all the study steps and be planning to start a new antidepressant as part of your treatment.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you already take antidepressants, have certain other serious health conditions (like some heart or liver problems, or other mental health conditions like psychosis or schizophrenia), or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Also, if you're taking herbal supplements that can affect mood, like St. John's Wort, you wouldn't be able to join this study.

The research team will carefully check all your health details to make sure the study is right and safe for you.

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 or older?
Have you been diagnosed with depression (MDD)?
Are you about to start a new antidepressant, or haven't taken one for at least six weeks?
Do you not have other serious long-term illnesses like heart disease, kidney disease, or certain mental health conditions?
Are you not pregnant or breastfeeding?
Are you not taking herbal supplements for mood (like St. John's Wort)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will involve several visits and assessments over about six to eight weeks. First, you'll have a taste test before you take your first dose of a new antidepressant prescribed by your GP. You'll also fill in a mood questionnaire. Soon after taking your first antidepressant dose, you'll have another taste test.

Then, after about six to eight weeks of taking your antidepressant (as prescribed by your GP), you'll come back for a follow-up visit. At this visit, you'll do a final taste test and fill in another mood questionnaire. The researchers will then compare these results to learn more about the link between taste and mood. You will continue to receive your usual medical care from your GP throughout the study. The total duration of your active participation will be around six to eight weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of taking part is that you would contribute valuable information that could help doctors diagnose and treat depression more effectively in the future, possibly leading to better care for others. The risks associated with the taste tests are expected to be very low. Your antidepressant medication will be prescribed by your own GP as part of your usual care, so any risks related to the medication are the same as if you were not in the study. You are always free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (4)

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

Jhoots Pharmacy
Verified postcode
Bristol, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Honiton Surgery
Verified postcode
Honiton, United Kingdom· Recruiting
Humber Teaching NHS Foundation Trust
Verified postcode
Hull, United Kingdom· Recruiting
West Walk Surgery, Yate
Verified postcode
Bristol, United Kingdom· Recruiting

Common questions

What is a 'taste test' in this study?

It's a special test to measure how sensitive your sense of taste is. It's simple and not painful.

Will I have to stop my current medication?

You can only join if you are not currently taking antidepressants, or if you stopped them at least six weeks before the study. However, the antidepressant you take during the study will be one prescribed by your GP as part of your treatment.

What kind of questionnaires will I fill out?

These are standard questionnaires that ask about your mood and how you've been feeling, to help researchers understand your depression.

How long will I be in the study?

Your active participation, including all visits and tests, will last for about six to eight weeks.

Does this study mean I'll get better treatment for my depression?

This study aims to improve understanding for future treatments. Your antidepressant will be prescribed by your GP as part of your normal care, and your care will continue as usual.

How to find out more

Helen Leach, BDS, MSc

helenleach@ranvierhealth.com 07983054029 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.