Depression And Clinical Trials
Depression is a mental disorder identified by periodic episodes that affect daily activities and that negatively affect a person and his surrounding environment. Sometimes, depression is so harmful that it can lead to homelessness and to loss of family, friends, and business. In addition, patients suffering from severe depression may feel worthless and guilty, as well as incompetent and hopeless.
Major Depressive Disorder
The extreme form of depression is major depression. It is also called major depressive disorder (MDD) or unipolar depression. Lack of interest and a constant feeling of sadness are the primary indications of MDD. The fluctuations between bipolar depression and major depressive disorder are denoted by unipolar depression. However, unipolar depression is only concerned with the "lows", or destructive emotions and sensations. Major depression is relatively well known in the medical field and is frequently treated through drug and talk therapy.
Around 300 million people in the world suffer from major depressive disorder (MDD). It is the most common cause of disability around the globe. MDD affects 44.3 million people in Europe. Loss of interest in activities and guilty feelings are some of the symptoms of MDD. Sleep issues, such as the inability to fall or remain asleep, are highly prevalent and exacerbate depression.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression and Major Depressive Disorder
There might be several underlying reasons for your depression. These usually show themselves as coping habits and reactions to how you're feeling. The signs and symptoms of depression can be mild or severe. The following are the signs and symptoms of depression.
- Depressed mood, a feeling of sadness
- Unhealthy eating habits or loss of appetite that affect your weight
- Purposeless physical activities
- Irritability
- Lethargy, fatigue, and loss of energy
- Sleeplessness, or sleeping too much
- Slowed speech and movements
- Suicidal thoughts
- Negative thinking
- Feeling guilty and worthless
- Lack of concentration and poor decision making
- Loss of interest in usual activities
Depression in Clinical Trials
Clinical trials for depression have different types. Some are for people who experience symptoms of depression, while others are for those who aren't getting enough relief from the FDA-approved depression medicines already available.
Many clinical trials for depression are testing novel therapies for depression, including magnetic devices, fast-acting nasal inhalants, or infusion treatments. In addition, many depression clinical studies utilize DNA testing and physical and cognitive function changes as early indicators of recurrence to investigate the reasons and remedies. Expert research professionals usually conduct clinical trials for depression to assess the safety and efficacy of novel medicines and treatments. A clinical trial can provide patients with life-changing therapies; nevertheless, it is crucial to understand that patients may choose to drop out of a clinical trial at any time throughout the research and for any reason.
References
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK50890/
- https://www.cnshealthcare.com/learn-more/disorders/item/38-depression.html
- https://policylab.us/clinical-trials/depression/
- https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/depression/what-is-depression
- https://www.synexusclinic.co.uk/trials/major-depression/
- https://cenexelresearch.com/cbh/trials/depression-clinical-trials/
- https://www.psycom.net/depression.central.major.html