Clinical and neurocognitive characteristics associated with treatment-resistant depression

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S542-S542 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Serafini ◽  
G. Adavastro ◽  
G. Canepa ◽  
C. Conigliaro ◽  
M. Pompili ◽  
...  

IntroductionTreatment resistant depression (TRD) is a disabling condition associated with a relevant psychosocial impairment worldwide.ObjectivesThis exploratory study is aimed to evaluate the main clinical and neurocognitive characteristics in a sample of 21 subjects admitted to the Psychiatric Clinic of University of Genoa as inpatients between 2015 and 2016 and diagnosed with TRD according to Thase and Rush staging method.MethodsPatients have been assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale, and Clinical Global Impression (CGI). The Continuous Performance Test (CPT), Trial Making Test (TMT-A/B), Stroop Color Word Interference Test, Verbal Fluency Test, and Rey auditory-verbal learning test (RAVLT) have been administered as well.ResultsSubjects with early-onset (< 50 years) depression had a longer illness duration, higher depressive episodes and more impaired performance at RAVLT while individuals with late-onset (> 50 years) depression showed a higher severity of depressive symptoms and more anxiety symptoms. Depressive symptoms were positively associated with anxiety (r = 0.82; P = 0.00) and negatively with TMT-A/B (r = −0.56, P = 0.01), Stroop Color Word Interference Test (r = −0.72, P = 0.005 and r = −0.616, P = 0.008), and RAVLT (r = −0.60; P = 0.02) performances. According to regression analyses, anxiety symptoms were the only significant predictor of depression severity (P = 0.02).ConclusionsEarly-onset depression is associated with more disability and worse neurocognitive performance whereas late-onset depression is linked to more anxiety symptoms and more depressive symptoms severity. Clinicians should closely monitor patients with TRD for the presence of anxiety symptoms that may represent a significant risk factor of poorer long-term outcome.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

2015 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
pp. 65-68 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Scantamburlo ◽  
M. Hansenne ◽  
V. Geenen ◽  
J.J. Legros ◽  
M. Ansseau

AbstractThe aim of this open trial was to assess the antidepressant/anxiolytic effects of oxytocin used as an adjunct to antidepressant in treatment-resistant depression. Fourteen patients, who have not responded to 40 mg of escitalopram, received intranasal synthetic oxytocin during 4 weeks, in association with antidepressant. This is the first open trial study suggesting OT in association with escitalopram significantly reduced scores on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2020 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Mu-Hong Chen ◽  
Wei-Chen Lin ◽  
Hui-Ju Wu ◽  
Ya-Mei Bai ◽  
Cheng-Ta Li ◽  
...  

Abstract Background. The antidepressant effect of low-dose ketamine infusion on Taiwanese patients with anxious vs nonanxious treatment-resistant depression (ANX-TRD vs NANX-TRD) has remained unknown. Methods. In total, 71 patients with TRD were randomized to three groups. Each group had participants who received saline infusions mixed with 0 (a normal saline infusion), 0.2, and 0.5 mg/kg of ketamine. Participants were followed up for 2 weeks. Anxious depression was defined as major depressive disorder with a total score of 7 or more on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale Anxiety-Somatization factor. Generalized estimating equation models were used to investigate the effects of treatment (ketamine vs placebo) and depression type (ANX-TRD vs NANX-TRD) in the reduction of depressive symptoms during the follow-up period. Results. Patients with ANX-TRD were less likely to respond to a single low-dose ketamine infusion than those with NANX-TRD. Among patients with NANX-TRD, low-dose ketamine infusion was significantly superior to placebo for reducing depressive symptoms. However, among patients with ANX-TRD, ketamine was not superior to placebo; nonetheless, approximately 30% of the patients responded to ketamine infusion compared to 13% who responded to the placebo. Conclusions. Low-dose ketamine infusion was effective for Taiwanese patients with NANX-TRD but not so effective for those with ANX-TRD. A higher level of anxiety severity accompanying depression was related to greater depression severity. This may confound and reduce the antidepressant effect of ketamine infusion.


2021 ◽  
Vol 35 (2) ◽  
pp. 142-149
Author(s):  
Ana C Lucchese ◽  
Luciana M Sarin ◽  
Eduardo J Muniz Magalhães ◽  
Lorena C Del Sant ◽  
Camila B Puertas ◽  
...  

Background: A large number of studies indicate that subanesthetic doses of ketamine induce a fast antidepressant effect. Limited studies have investigated the subcutaneous (SC) route, and it remains unclear for whom this treatment is most suitable. Aims: The aim of this study was to examine the effect on depressive symptoms of repeated subanesthetic doses of SC esketamine in unipolar and bipolar treatment-resistant depression (TRD) and clinical predictors of response. Methods: A retrospective analysis of 70 patients who received six SC esketamine doses weekly as an adjunctive treatment was carried out. Doses started at 0.5 mg/kg and it could be titrated up to 1 mg/kg, according to response. The primary outcome was reduction in depressive symptoms. Statistical analysis to investigate clinical predictors of effectiveness included logistic regression analysis using a dependent variable of a 50% reduction in rating scale scores at the end of treatment. Comparisons between groups were made through analysis of variance and treatment effects. Results: At baseline, our sample presented with severe treatment resistance in 65.7%, as assessed by the Maudsley Staging Method (MSM), and 47.1% had anxiety disorder comorbidity. The response rate was 50%. A better outcome was predicted by mild and moderate MSM scores (OR = 3.162, p = 0.041) and anxiety disorder comorbidity (OR = 3.149, p = 0.028). Conclusions: Our results suggest that higher levels of treatment resistance may be associated with a poor response to SC esketamine. Unlike traditional pharmacotherapies, it might benefit those with poor prognosis such as patients with depression and comorbid anxiety. Therefore, future research could investigate whether esketamine should receive a more prominent place in the treatment algorithm for TRD.


Author(s):  
Joshua S. Siegel ◽  
Ben J. A. Palanca ◽  
Beau M. Ances ◽  
Evan D. Kharasch ◽  
Julie A. Schweiger ◽  
...  

AbstractKetamine produces a rapid antidepressant response in over 50% of adults with treatment-resistant depression. A long infusion of ketamine may provide durable remission of depressive symptoms, but the safety, efficacy, and neurobiological correlates are unknown. In this open-label, proof-of-principle study, adults with treatment-resistant depression (N = 23) underwent a 96-h infusion of intravenous ketamine (0.15 mg/kg/h titrated toward 0.6 mg/kg/h). Clonidine was co-administered to reduce psychotomimetic effects. We measured clinical response for 8 weeks post-infusion. Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess functional connectivity in patients pre- and 2 weeks post-infusion and in matched non-depressed controls (N = 27). We hypothesized that responders to therapy would demonstrate response-dependent connectivity changes while all subjects would show treatment-dependent connectivity changes. Most participants completed infusion (21/23; mean final dose 0.54 mg/kg/h, SD 0.13). The infusion was well tolerated with minimal cognitive and psychotomimetic side effects. Depressive symptoms were markedly reduced (MADRS 29 ± 4 at baseline to 9 ± 8 one day post-infusion), which was sustained at 2 weeks (13 ± 8) and 8 weeks (15 ± 8). Imaging demonstrated a response-dependent decrease in hyperconnectivity of the subgenual anterior cingulate cortex to the default mode network, and a treatment-dependent decrease in hyperconnectivity within the limbic system (hippocampus, amygdala, medial thalamus, nucleus accumbens). In exploratory analyses, connectivity was increased between the limbic system and frontal areas, and smaller right hippocampus volume at baseline predicted larger MADRS change. A single prolonged infusion of ketamine provides a tolerated, rapid, and sustained response in treatment-resistant depression and normalizes depression-related hyperconnectivity in the limbic system and frontal lobe.ClinicalTrials.gov: Treatment Resistant Depression (Pilot), NCT01179009.


Author(s):  
Bernardo Soares ◽  
Gabriela Kanevsky ◽  
Chei Tung Teng ◽  
Rodrigo Pérez-Esparza ◽  
Gerardo Garcia Bonetto ◽  
...  

AbstractApproximately one-third of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have treatment-resistant depression (TRD). The TRAL study will evaluate the prevalence and impact of TRD among patients with MDD in four Latin American countries. In this multicenter, prospective, observational study, patients with MDD were recruited from 33 reference sites in Mexico, Colombia, Brazil, and Argentina. Patients were assessed for TRD, defined as failure to respond to ≥ 2 antidepressant medications of adequate dose and duration. Demographics, previous/current treatments, depressive symptoms, functioning, healthcare resource utilization, and work impairment were also collected and evaluated using descriptive statistics, chi-square test, Fisher exact test, t-test for independent samples, or the Mann–Whitney nonparametric test, as appropriate. 1475 patients with MDD were included in the analysis (mean age, 45.6 years; 78% women); 89% were receiving relevant psychiatric treatment. 429 patients met criteria for TRD, and a numerically higher proportion of patients with TRD was present in public versus private sites of care (31% vs 27%). The mean Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale score was 25.0 among all MDD patients and was significantly higher for patients with TRD versus non-TRD (29.4 vs 23.3; P < 0.0001). Patients with TRD, versus those with non-TRD, were significantly more likely to be older, have a longer disease duration, have more comorbidities, be symptomatic, have a higher median number of psychiatric consultations, and report greater work impairment. Patients with TRD have a disproportionate burden of disease compared to those with non-TRD. Appropriate treatment for TRD is a substantial unmet need in Latin America. https://www.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT03207282, 07/02/2017.


2018 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 655-663 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fernanda Palhano-Fontes ◽  
Dayanna Barreto ◽  
Heloisa Onias ◽  
Katia C. Andrade ◽  
Morgana M. Novaes ◽  
...  

AbstractBackgroundRecent open-label trials show that psychedelics, such as ayahuasca, hold promise as fast-onset antidepressants in treatment-resistant depression.MethodsTo test the antidepressant effects of ayahuasca, we conducted a parallel-arm, double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial in 29 patients with treatment-resistant depression. Patients received a single dose of either ayahuasca or placebo. We assessed changes in depression severity with the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and the Hamilton Depression Rating scale at baseline, and at 1 (D1), 2 (D2), and 7 (D7) days after dosing.ResultsWe observed significant antidepressant effects of ayahuasca when compared with placebo at all-time points. MADRS scores were significantly lower in the ayahuasca group compared with placebo at D1 and D2 (p= 0.04), and at D7 (p< 0.0001). Between-group effect sizes increased from D1 to D7 (D1: Cohen'sd= 0.84; D2: Cohen'sd= 0.84; D7: Cohen'sd= 1.49). Response rates were high for both groups at D1 and D2, and significantly higher in the ayahuasca group at D7 (64%v.27%;p= 0.04). Remission rate showed a trend toward significance at D7 (36%v.7%,p= 0.054).ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this is the first controlled trial to test a psychedelic substance in treatment-resistant depression. Overall, this study brings new evidence supporting the safety and therapeutic value of ayahuasca, dosed within an appropriate setting, to help treat depression. This study is registered athttp://clinicaltrials.gov(NCT02914769).


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mu-Hong Chen ◽  
Wei-Chen Lin ◽  
Cheng-Ta Li ◽  
Shih-Jen Tsai ◽  
Hui-Ju Wu ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction Pretreatment neurocognitive function may predict the treatment response to low-dose ketamine infusion in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). However, the association between working memory function at baseline and the antidepressant efficacy of ketamine infusion remains unclear. Methods A total of 71 patients with TRD were randomized to one of three treatment groups: 0.5 mg/kg ketamine, 0.2 mg/kg ketamine, or normal saline. Depressive symptoms were measured using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) at baseline and after treatment. Cognitive function was evaluated using working memory and go-no-go tasks at baseline. Results A generalized linear model with adjustments for demographic characteristics, treatment groups, and total HDRS scores at baseline revealed only a significant effect of working memory function (correct responses and omissions) on the changes in depressive symptoms measured by HDRS at baseline (F=12.862, p<0.05). Correlation analysis further showed a negative relationship (r=0.519, p=0.027) between pretreatment working memory function and changes in HDRS scores in the 0.5 mg/kg ketamine group. Discussion An inverse relationship between pretreatment working memory function and treatment response to ketamine infusion may confirm that low-dose ketamine infusion is beneficial and should be reserved for patients with TRD.


2019 ◽  
Vol 54 (6) ◽  
pp. 567-576 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kevin M. Bozymski ◽  
Ericka L. Crouse ◽  
Erika N. Titus-Lay ◽  
Carol A. Ott ◽  
Jill L. Nofziger ◽  
...  

Objective:To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, safety, use requirements, and place in therapy of esketamine for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Data Sources: A comprehensive PubMed search (1966 to October 2019) was conducted using the search terms depression, treatment-resistant, suicide, intranasal, esketamine, and JNJ-54135419. Additional data were obtained from references of identified articles, governmental sources, manufacturer product labeling, and Clinicaltrials.gov . Study Selection and Data Extraction: All English-language trials evaluating intranasal esketamine for TRD were included and discussed. Data Synthesis: Intranasal esketamine was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, in conjunction with an oral antidepressant, for treating TRD in adults. Two short-term trials (TRANSFORM-1 and -2) found statistically significant reduction in the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale score at day 28 for the fixed 56-mg dose (−4.1; 95% CI = −7.69 to −0.49; P = 0.027 [exploratory]) and flexible-dosed arms (−4.0; 95% CI = −7.31 to −0.64; P = 0.02), though the fixed-dose 84-mg arm (−3.2; 95% CI = −6.88 to 0.45; P = 0.088) of TRANSFORM-1 and TRANSFORM-3 did not (−3.6; 95% CI = −7.2 to 0.07; P = 0.059). Two long-term trials (SUSTAIN-1 and -2) suggested maintenance of response with continued use. Esketamine’s adverse effects include dizziness, dysgeusia, somnolence, dissociation, suicidal thoughts and behaviors, and increased heart rate and blood pressure. Relevance to Patient Care and Clinical Practice: Although providing a novel antidepressant mechanism and formulation for TRD, esketamine’s role in treatment will likely be limited by cost, administration, and diversion concerns. Conclusion: Intranasal esketamine significantly reduced depression symptoms in TRD, though with tolerability issues.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (2) ◽  
pp. 276-277
Author(s):  
Carol Jamieson ◽  
Nan Li ◽  
Ella Daly ◽  
Adam Janik ◽  
Rosanne Lane ◽  
...  

Abstract:Objective:To assess the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) as a predictor of relapse of depressive symptoms in treatment-resistant depression (TRD).Method:Analysis included maintenance phase data from SUSTAIN-1 (NCT02493868), a randomized, double-blind, active-controlled study in TRD patients that evaluated efficacy of intranasal esketamine (ESK) + oral antidepressant (AD) vs AD + intranasal placebo in delaying relapse of depressive symptoms. A ≥50% reduction in initial symptom score and total score of ≤12 were considered as response and remission, respectively, using the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale. PHQ-9 total score (range, 0–27), PHQ-2 total score (0–6), and individual items of the PHQ-9 (0–3) were examined as predictors of relapse. Data were collected every 2 weeks. Association between time-varying PHQ-9 and event of depression relapse was evaluated in Andersen-Gill Cox model.Results:Of 176 stable remitters, 63 had a relapse event (ESK+AD [n=24]; AD+placebo [n=39]). Of 121 stable responders, 50 had a relapse event (ESK+AD [n=16]; AD+placebo [n=34]). Among stable remitters, PHQ-9 total score (HR; 95% CI [1.12; 1.04–1.21]) and PHQ-2 total score (1.58; 1.25–1.99) were associated with relapse risk. PHQ-9 items #1 (loss of pleasure, 2.07; 1.38–3.09), #2 (feeling down, 2.18; 1.51–3.15), #4 (feeling tired, 1.54; 1.13–2.11), and #6 (negative self-view, 2.27; 1.41–3.66) were associated with relapse risk. PHQ-2 total scale yielded the smallest Akaike’s Information Criterion among stable remitters and responders.Conclusion:PHQ-9, PHQ-2 total scores or individual items may be useful for predicting relapse of depressive symptoms among stable TRD patients.Funding Acknowledgements:This study was sponsored by Janssen Research and Development, LLC.


2019 ◽  
Vol 91 (2) ◽  
pp. 189-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junus M. van der Wal ◽  
Isidoor O. Bergfeld ◽  
Anja Lok ◽  
Mariska Mantione ◽  
Martijn Figee ◽  
...  

ObjectiveDeep brain stimulation (DBS) reduces depressive symptoms in approximately 40%–60% of patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD), but data on long-term efficacy and safety are scarce. Our objective was to assess the efficacy and safety of DBS targeted at the ventral anterior limb of the internal capsule (vALIC) in 25 patients with TRD during a 1-year, open-label, maintenance period, which followed a 1-year optimisation period.MethodsDepression severity was measured using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D-17), Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) and self-reported Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS-SR). Primary outcomes were response rate (≥50% HAM-D-17 score reduction) after the maintenance phase, approximately 2 years after DBS surgery, and changes in depression scores and occurrence of adverse events during the maintenance phase.ResultsOf 25 operated patients, 21 entered and 18 completed the maintenance phase. After the maintenance phase, eight patients were classified as responder (observed response rate: 44.4%; intention-to-treat: 32.0%). During the maintenance phase, HAM-D-17 and MADRS scores did not change, but the mean IDS-SR score decreased from 38.8 (95% CI 31.2 to 46.5) to 35.0 (95% CI 26.1 to 43.8) (p=0.008). Non-responders after optimisation did not improve during the maintenance phase. Four non-DBS-related serious adverse events occurred, including one suicide attempt.ConclusionsvALIC DBS for TRD showed continued efficacy 2 years after surgery, with symptoms remaining stable after optimisation as rated by clinicians and with patient ratings improving. This supports DBS as a viable treatment option for patients with TRD.Trial registration numberNTR2118.


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