Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Prescribing the Right Agent for Depression in Adults (PRADA): a Double-blind, Randomised Controlled Trial Using a Web-based Multi-modal Clinical Decision Support System and Genetic Information to Personalise Antidepressant Treatment in Diverse Clinical Settings Across the Globe

Depression affects many people, and finding the right antidepressant can be tricky. This study, called PRADA, is developing a new online tool to make this easier. It builds on a previous tool (PETRUSHKA) that helped people stick with their treatment by personalising choices based on their medical history and preferences. PRADA adds genetic information to the mix, using a simple DNA test to help decide which antidepressant might work best and have fewer side effects for each individual. The study will test this new tool in the UK and other countries, comparing it to the older tool to see if it helps more people with depression feel better and stay on their treatment.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Oxford

Enrolment target

2,142

Start

01 Oct 2026

Estimated completion

01 Oct 2028

Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)

What is this study about?

Depression is a very common mental health condition, affecting millions of people worldwide. While antidepressants are often recommended for those with moderate to severe symptoms, choosing the right one for each person can be a bit of guesswork. This often means people try a medication, it doesn't work well, or causes unpleasant side effects, leading them to stop taking it early. This study aims to make this process much better and more personalised.

Researchers previously developed a tool called PETRUSHKA, which was like an online guide to help doctors and patients choose antidepressants based on a person's medical history, other health details, and their own preferences. This tool was shown to help people stick with their treatment and feel better. Now, the new PRADA study wants to take this a step further by adding genetic information. This means using a simple DNA test to understand how a person's body might react to different antidepressants. This genetic information, combined with other personal details, could help doctors and patients pick the very best medication for them from the start.

The PRADA study will develop and test this new online tool in several countries, including the UK, Ethiopia, and Pakistan. Participants will use the new PRADA tool to help choose their antidepressant, and the study will compare its effectiveness to the older PETRUSHKA tool. Researchers will be looking at how well people stick to their treatment, how much their depression improves, and their overall quality of life over a year. The goal is to find a way to offer more tailored treatment for depression, so more people can get the most out of their medication.

Key takeaways

This study aims to personalise antidepressant treatment using an online tool.
It combines your health information, preferences, and genetic details to choose medication.
The goal is to help people find the right antidepressant faster and with fewer side effects.
Participation involves starting a new antidepressant and having follow-up appointments for 12 months.
It's happening in the UK and other countries like Ethiopia and Pakistan.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would generally need to be an adult between 18 and 74 years old. You should have been diagnosed with a new episode of depression where an antidepressant medication has been suggested as a treatment. Your depression symptoms would need to be at a certain level (not mild), and you should be willing to start taking an antidepressant as your only medication for depression. It's also important that you can understand the study information and fill in questionnaires in your local language.

There are also some reasons why you might not be able to join. For example, if you've recently taken an antidepressant, or if you have certain other mental health conditions like bipolar disorder or schizophrenia. You also wouldn't be able to take part if you've had specific medical conditions like some heart problems within the last few years, or if you require urgent mental health care. Having previously tried two or more antidepressants for the same episode without success would also mean you can't join. Lastly, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, you wouldn't be able to take part, and you would need to be able to provide a blood sample for genetic analysis.

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 between 18 and 74 years old?
Have you been diagnosed with depression and are you being advised to start an antidepressant?
Are your depression symptoms moderate to severe (not mild)?
Are you able to provide a blood sample for genetic analysis?
Have you NOT taken an antidepressant in the last 4 weeks?
Do you NOT have conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or certain heart problems?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part in this study, it would involve helping doctors choose the right antidepressant for you using an online tool that considers your health details, preferences, and genetic information. You would need to provide a blood sample for genetic testing. Over the next 12 months, you would have regular check-ups with your doctor. These visits would involve discussing your progress, any side effects, and filling out questionnaires about how you're feeling and your quality of life. The study aims to follow your journey for a full year to see how the chosen antidepressant works for you.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could potentially benefit you by helping to find an antidepressant that is more suited to you from the start, possibly leading to a better response and fewer side effects compared to a more standard approach. However, there are also potential risks, such as experiencing side effects from the antidepressant medication, as with any depression treatment. Your genetic information will be collected, but it will be handled with strict privacy. Remember, you have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (3)

Amanuel Mental Specialized Hospital
Verified postcode
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Pakistan Institute of Living and Learning (PILL)
Verified postcode
Karachi, Pakistan
NIHR Clinical Research Facility Oxford Health
Verified postcode
Oxford, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to find a better way to pick the right antidepressant for each person by using a new online tool that includes genetic information.

Will I have to take new medication?

Yes, if you join, you would be starting a new antidepressant medication as part of the study, chosen with the help of the study tool.

What does 'genetic information' mean here?

It means taking a small blood sample to look at tiny differences in your genes that might affect how your body handles certain antidepressants.

How long will I be involved in the study?

You would be part of the study for about 12 months, with regular check-ups and questionnaires during that time.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, you are free to leave the study at any point without it affecting your medical care.

How to find out more

Andrea Cipriani

andrea.cipriani@psych.ox.ac.uk +441865613172 Official trial record

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