Depression may be impacted by oxidative stress and inflammation of the brain. Candesartan may protect brain function by reducing  the body’s response to stress, oxidative stress, inflammation, and enhancing nerve growth. Candesartan is a  commonly used blood pressure medication. There is preclinical and clinical evidence that Candesartan may have anti-depressant properties and thus may help reduce the symptoms of depression. Candesartan may help people with Bipolar Disorder or Major Depressive Disorder who are experiencing depression.

There are two current studies being done: CADET-BD and CADET-UD. The CADET-BD study is testing if Candesartan could help reduce symptoms of depression in people who have bipolar disorder, and the CADET-UD study is testing if Candesartan could help reduce symptoms of depression among people who have major depressive disorder. Candesartan (16mg a day) or placebo will be given in addition to the participant’s usual treatment. These studies invite adults 18 and above who have bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder to participate.

• There will be no costs to participate in either one of these studies.
• Participants will be given $20 at each visit for study-related travel expenses. This may be in the form of a gift card.
• Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit those struggling with depression in the future.

• Participation in any study is optional.
• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time.
• Any information that you provide will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

• Adults aged 18 years old or older 
• Must be diagnosed with either Bipolar Disorder or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Must be currently experiencing symptoms of depression 
• Must have a regular treating doctor (General Practitioner [GP] or Psychiatrist). 
• Must not be currently undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or transcranial magnetic stimulus (TMS) therapy
• Must be able to attend 7 study visits at the research site over approximately 16 weeks (online options may be available for rurally located participants).

The study team will explain the research in full but some details are:

• Candesartan is commonly used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure. It may influence the body’s response to stress, inflammation, nerve growth, and survival. These are factors that may also play a significant role in people with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder. Previous research has found that people taking candesartan may have a reduced risk of mood disorders and experience improved mental health symptoms. 
• There will be 7 study visits. Each study visit may take from 45 minutes to 2 hours to complete.
• Participants will be able to remain on their current treatment program. The study medication will be taken in addition to current treatment.
• Participants will be assigned at random to receive the study treatment, candesartan, or a placebo (a dummy pill or a fake pill that does not contain any Candesartan).

This research study is taking place at several locations. To see if there is a research site near you, please see below.

Research Site: Barwon Health
Location: University Hospital Geelong, Geelong, VIC, Australia
HREC: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Barwon Health Human Research Ethics Committee (19/166, 20/15)

Research Site: The Melbourne Clinic
Location: 130 Church St, Richmond, VIC 3121, Australia
HREC: This study has been reviewed and approved by The Melbourne Clinic Research Ethics Committee (334, 335)

Research Site: Toowong Specialist Clinic
Location: Toowong Specialist Clinic, 54 Jephson St, Toowong, QLD, Australia
HREC: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Barwon Health Human Research Ethics Committee (19/166, 20/15)

Research Site: Ramsay Clinic Albert Road
Location: 31 Albert Rd, Melbourne VIC 3004
HREC: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Barwon Health Human Research Ethics Committee (19/166, 20/15)

Research Site: Eastern Health
Location: Box Hill Hospital, Arnold St, 8 Arnold St, Box Hill VIC 3128
HREC: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Eastern Health Human Research Ethics Committee (E20/012/61681, E20-024-69103)

Lead Researchers: Prof Michael Berk, Prof Chee Ng, Prof Malcolm Hopwood, Prof Jon-Paul Khoo, A/Prof Judy Hope

Please note:
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers would like to assure the participants that safety of participants and the study staff is of utmost importance. All applicable government and site specific COVID safety precautions will be followed