Current Depression Treatment Not Working? Learn More About Your Options Today!

Contents

Next Steps

  1. Complete the study questionnaire
  2. Understand if you’re eligible to participate
Click Here

About the Study


Research Center: Peninsula Therapeutic And Research Group
Location: 137 Frankston – Flinders Rd, Frankston VIC 3199, Australia
Lead Researcher: Dr. Jennifer Grunfeld
HREC: This study has been reviewed and approved by the Bellberry Limited Human Research Ethics Committee

Are your current depression medications not working? Approximately 1 in 7 Australians will experience depression in their lifetime. Unfortunately, a single antidepressant is not always effective in reducing symptoms of depression.
Researchers at the Peninsula Therapeutic and Research Group are conducting a study to help people with major depressive disorder (MDD). This research study seeks to understand the effectiveness of a potential treatment that may improve depressive symptoms among those who do not respond well to their current antidepressant medication. Through this research study, a new option for treatment may be available for those who suffer from depression.


Why Participate?


  • Participants may receive a new potential treatment for depression at no cost.
  • Participants may experience an improvement in their depression symptoms. 
  • Participants will be contributing valuable information that may benefit those with depression in the future.
  • Participants will be reimbursed for any reasonable travel, parking, meals and other expenses associated with the research study visit
  • Participants will be helping to advance mental health research.

Your Rights


  • 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.

Who can Participate?


  • Men and women, aged 18 to 65 years old, who have been diagnosed with depression 
  • Interested individuals who are currently experiencing symptoms of depression – symptoms must have been present for at least 6 weeks but no more than 24 months (you can have had previous episodes of depression)
  • Interested individuals who are on a stable dose of their depression medication for at least 6 weeks
  • Interested individuals must not have failed to respond to 2 or more antidepressants in the past 24 months 
  • Interested individuals will need to  be able to attend 8 study visits at the research site in Frankston over approximately 13 weeks

Key Study Details


The study team can explain the research study in its entirety but some study details are:

  • Study visits are conducted at a mental health clinic in Frankston.
  • Participation in this study involves attending 8 study visits and 4 phone appointments with the study team over a period of 13 weeks (clinic visits vary from 1 to 6 hours)
  • Participation in this study will include answering questions about your physical and mental health, completing questionnaires, having blood tests and other physical health examinations.
  • Participants who qualify to take part in this study will be required to continue on their current antidepressant for the duration of the trial. 
  • 50 percent of participants will receive the study medication.
  • 20 percent of participants will receive quetiapine (a medication that is already available in Australia for people who do not respond to standard antidepressant treatment).
  • 30 percent of participants will receive a placebo (a placebo is a tablet that looks like the study medication but contains no active drug).
  • The study medication/placebo/quetiapine is taken for six weeks in addition to your current antidepressant.
  • The study medication will not be available after the end of the trial. 

About the Research Center


Peninsula Therapeutic And Research Group

PTRG is a clinical research unit that specialises in mental health studies. Their team of doctors, nurses, clinical researchers and administrative staff have over 18 years of clinical trial experience. They aim to provide the best possible care to their patients by offering clinical research opportunities using medications that are not available to the general public.

Please note:
Due to the current situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, the researchers would like to assure the participants that ensuring the safety of the participants as well as the study staff is of utmost importance. However, in the event that the participant is unable to attend due to COVID-19 restrictions, alternative arrangements can be made.


Study Location


What’s Next?

  1. Click the link to enter your contact details and take the study questionnaire.
  2. If eligible, a member of the research team will contact you to discuss the study and answer any questions you may have.
Click Here to Check Your Eligibility for This Study

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