Investigating the neural mechanisms of antidepressant withdrawal
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Investigating the neural mechanisms of antidepressant withdrawal and associations with reward processing, depressive symptoms, and relapse.
IRAS ID
322582
Contact name
Katherine Button
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bath
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
N/A, N/A
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 10 months, 22 days
Research summary
The purpose of this study is to measure changes in brain activity and track fluctuations in mood and symptoms throughout the course of antidepressant withdrawal. We will also study the relationship between mood and social interactions using daily surveys administered via a smartphone app. We hope to determine whether neural activity, mood or withdrawal symptoms can be used to predict relapse 6 months after beginning withdrawal.
This is an observational 6-month follow-up study that will involve repeated testing of individuals who have been taking antidepressants for at least 6 months but are not depressed and thus feel well enough to come off them. They will be asked to participate in a total of 4 sessions; three will be in person (Baseline, 1 month follow up and 3 month follow up) whereas the final session will be online (6 months follow up). At each session they will be asked to complete some questionnaires and cognitive tasks whilst their brain activity is measured using electroencephalography (EEG). EEG is a safe, non-invasive brain imaging technique that involves placing a cap with sensors over the head and measuring the weak electrical signals emitted by the brain.It is hoped that the data gathered in this study will be useful in helping GPs to manage the process of antidepressant withdrawal and inform patients of the likely time course of any mood changes or withdrawal symptoms that they may experience during withdrawal. This research also has the potential to help identify which factors are important in predicting depressive relapse. It is hoped that this data will be useful in helping GPs to manage the process of antidepressant withdrawal.
REC name
South West - Central Bristol Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
24/SW/0058
Date of REC Opinion
4 Jun 2024
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion