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Dopamine Neurotransmission in Major Depression
NCT01659814 · View on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
Study Summary
The overall aim of this study is to utilize an integrative research model in order to dynamically assess reward-related dopamine (DA) transmission in major depressive disorder (MDD) and test the role of dysfunctional DA release in depression and anhedonia. The first arm of this line of research (PET scan) aims to investigate phasic DA release in MDD during incentive motivation. The investigators will utilize an established molecular imaging technique to measure striatal DA release dynamically during performance of testing and control versions of a monetary incentive delay task, which involves anticipation and receipt of monetary rewards. In doing so, this experiment will link together independent lines of research that have associated depression with decreased hedonic responsiveness, impaired reinforcement learning and dysfunctional DA transmission. We hypothesize that, relative to matched controls, unmedicated MDD subjects will show reduced reward-related ligand (11C-raclopride) displacement. Reduced ligand displacement will be interpreted as indicating reduced task-induced release of endogenous striatal DA in response to reward-predicting cues and unpredictable reward in MDD subjects. In the second arm of this research (EEG recording), the investigators aim to probe the spatio-temporal dynamics of brain mechanisms underlying positive and negative reinforcement learning in MDD and their relations to phasic DA. Participants will perform the probabilistic stimulus selection task (PSST) while event-related potentials (ERPs) are collected. The investigators expect that, relative to matched controls, unmedicated MDD subjects will show reduced positive reinforcement learning, potentiated negative reinforcement learning, and larger (i.e., more negative) feedback-related negativity (FRN) in response to positive reinforcement (indicative of reduced DA transmission). Moreover, the investigators hypothesize that a more negative FRN in response to positive reinforcement will
Conditions Studied
Study Locations (2)
Massachusetts
- McLean Hospital — Belmont
- Massachusetts General Hospital — Boston
Trial Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Target | 71 participants |
| Start Date | 2011-03 |
| Est. Completion | 2012-12 |
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Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗What the Registry Record Tells You About NCT01659814
The ClinicalTrials.gov registry entry for NCT01659814 describes a study currently listed as completed. It is categorized as an unspecified phase, which is the standard way researchers label where a study sits along the investigational pathway from early safety work through later efficacy and post-marketing evaluation. The registered enrollment target is 71 participants, a figure that helps gauge the scale of data the investigators plan to collect. The listed sponsor is Mclean Hospital, which has 160 total studies on file at ClinicalTrials.gov, and sponsors are the parties responsible for study design, oversight, and regulatory filings.
The record links to 2 conditions, with Major Depressive Disorder appearing as the primary indexed condition, and to 0 interventions. Interventions can include drugs, devices, procedures, behavioral programs, or observational arms, and each is tracked as a separate registry field so that downstream queries can filter accurately. When a trial lists multiple interventions, it usually reflects a multi-arm design or a comparison protocol rather than a single treatment being tested in isolation. The brief summary published in the registry is the clearest source of protocol intent and should be read before drawing conclusions from any sidebar tags.
Geographic footprint matters for practical reasons: NCT01659814 reports 2 study locations spanning 1 distinct geographic area — top geographies include Massachusetts. A larger site network tends to correlate with broader recruitment capacity, but it does not imply anything about study quality, and site-level enrollment status can diverge from the overall registry status shown above. Every data point on this page comes from the public ClinicalTrials.gov dataset and is reproduced here for reference only; it is not a medical recommendation, an endorsement of the sponsor, or an invitation to enroll. Verify current status, eligibility criteria, and contact details directly at ClinicalTrials.gov, and discuss any participation decision with your own healthcare provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is clinical trial NCT01659814 about?
NCT01659814 is a clinical study titled "Dopamine Neurotransmission in Major Depression". The overall aim of this study is to utilize an integrative research model in order to dynamically assess reward-related dopamine (DA) transmission in major depressive disorder (MDD) and test the role of dysfunctional DA release in depression and anhedonia. The first arm of this line of research (PE...
What is the current status of trial NCT01659814?
This trial is currently completed. The enrollment target is 71 participants. The study started on 2011-03. Estimated completion is 2012-12.
What conditions does trial NCT01659814 study?
This clinical trial studies the following conditions: Major Depressive Disorder, Anhedonia. These conditions were identified from the trial registry and reflect the primary focus areas of the research.
Who is sponsoring clinical trial NCT01659814?
This trial is sponsored by Mclean Hospital, which has 160 total clinical trials registered on ClinicalTrials.gov. The sponsor is responsible for the study's design, funding, and regulatory compliance.
Where is trial NCT01659814 being conducted?
This trial has 2 study locations across Massachusetts. Contact the study sites directly through ClinicalTrials.gov for enrollment availability.
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