Project 170924
Long-term outcome of antidepressant treatment in a general population sample
Long-term outcome of antidepressant treatment in a general population sample
Project Information
| Study Type: | Trial Randomized_Controlled_Trial |
| Therapeutic Area: | Neurology |
| Research Theme: | Health systems / services |
| Disease Area: | neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation, Parkinson's disease |
| Data Type: | Canadian |
Institution & Funding
| Principal Investigator(s): | Colman, Ian R |
| Co-Investigator(s): | Patten, Scott B; Senthilselvan, Ambikaipakan |
| Institution: | University of Alberta |
| CIHR Institute: | Neurosciences, Mental Health and Addiction |
| Program: | |
| Peer Review Committee: | Health Services Evaluation & Interventions Research - A |
| Competition Year: | 2008 |
| Term: | 2 yrs 0 mth |
Abstract Summary
In spite of the frequency and severity of depression, controversy remains over the appropriate use of antidepressants as treatment. Part of the confusion stems from the fact that randomized controlled trials that test the efficacy of antidepressants often have a very short duration and have rigid criteria that exclude many individuals with common features of depression. Consequently, little is known about the long-term effectiveness of antidepressant treatment among depressed people in the general population. This project will use data from an ongoing study run by Statistics Canada that has followed a group of 17,276 Canadians since 1994. The sample for this study will include 573 individuals who were depressed in 1998/99. Those who were using antidepressants will be compared to those who were not with regards to their experience of depression between 2000/01 and 2006/07. The analysis will account for several influential factors that affect the likelihood of being treated with antidepressants and the prognosis of depression. Given recent controversy over the efficacy of antidepressant medications in the treatment of depression, the results of this study could make a significant contribution towards providing evidence to guide policy-makers and clinicians in decisions regarding best care for individuals with depression.
Research Characteristics
This project includes the following research characteristics:
Study Justification
"Our study aims to determine the effect of treatment with an iron-chelating medication on brain iron levels, brain function, and overall health and quality of life in patients with this disorder."
Novelty Statement
"The results of this study will help us to understand whether treatment for iron overload is helpful to patients with this disorder. In addition, the information we learn will be useful for designing studies in other neurodegenerative disorders where iron may play a role, such as Parkinson's Disease."
Methodology Innovation
randomized controlled trial of iron chelation therapy for a rare neurodegenerative disorder