Depression Clinical Research Trials

WHAT IS DEPRESSION?

Major depression or Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a mental illness that is

characterized by a constant feeling of sadness, anxiety, lack of interest, and

lack of concentration. However, medication and therapies can quickly treat

depression.

 

Below is a complete guide of depression symptoms, types of depression,

and how clinical trials are beneficial in treating depression or MDD.

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DEPRESSION SYMPTOMS

Several factors can add to depression. These factors generally affect a person’s behavior and how they feel. The symptoms experienced during depression can vary depending on the type of depression someone has. However, most symptoms remain the same for the majority of people. These include:

 

• Restlessness

• Irritability

• Anxiety

• Social withdrawal

• Lack of concentration

• Excessive sleep

• Suicidal thoughts

• Weight loss or gain

 

TYPES OF DEPRESSION

Each type of depression can have several causes but generally involve the same feeling of lack of interest and overall withdrawal from society. These are divided further into subtypes which determine how long the diagnosis shall last.

 

• SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder is caused directly by a particular time of the year, occurring mostly during winters due to lack of enough sunlight. It can be effectively cured by light therapy, however, clinical research trials also recommend medications and counseling.

• A person usually experiences psychotic depression after witnessing a traumatic event or as a result of hallucinations.

• Postpartum depression is common among new mothers as they experience hormonal changes after childbirth, the stress of raising a child, and significant changes in their bodies. 

• Melancholic depression is characterized by the most common symptoms of depression, such as weight loss, sadness, and lack of interest.

• Atypical depression is linked directly to social interactions and moods. The symptoms include social anxiety and hypersomnia.

• Catatonic depression interferes with the essential activities of a daily routine and is characterized by behavioral issues and involuntary movements.

 

BENEFITS OF CLINICAL TRIALS FOR DEPRESSION

Participating in a clinical trial may not sound as appealing but has several substantial benefits:

 

• The doctors running the clinical research trials help the enrolling participants to understand their illness fully. To effectively treat depression, it is essential to understand it, including the symptoms and types entirely. 

• Some depression trials are observational, while others include trying medicines that are not yet available to the general public. These medications are considered safe to use after specific tests. The clinical trials regularly test the effectiveness of the new medicines.

• The participants who qualify are compensated for participating in clinical research trials, California, for depression.

• The participants who qualify for clinical research trials do not have to pay for medicines or any health checkups.

• The participants enrolling in depression clinical trials can benefit others by participating in the assessment of the safety and efficiency of new medicines.

• The frequent medical checkups conducted at a clinical trial can help people with significant depression to closely monitor the treatment.