Status:
COMPLETED
Automatic Self Transcending Meditation (ASTM) Versus Heart Rate Variability (HRV) Biofeedback in Patients With Late Life Depression (LLD): a Longitudinal Pilot Feasibility Study
Lead Sponsor:
London Health Sciences Centre Research Institute OR Lawson Research Institute of St. Joseph's
Conditions:
Late Life Depression
Eligibility:
All Genders
66-80 years
Phase:
NA
Brief Summary
Background: Depression in the elderly, also known as late life depression (LLD) is common and its prevalence ranges from 2 to 6% in the community. Heart Rate Variability (HRV), a physiological autonom...
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion
- Of either gender, age 66-80 years.
- Have an Axis 1 diagnosis of major depressive disorder (DSM IV code 296.2x or 296.3x) (comorbid anxiety and dysthymic disorder will be acceptable).
- HAMD-24 score of \>20.
- Low risk of suicide as elicited by clinical interview.
- Being able to sit for 30-45 minutes, without physical pain
- Of general good physical health with no severe cardiovascular disease in the past 12 months (myocardial infarction, stroke or TIA).
- No past history of neurological disease or seizures.
- Sufficient hearing to comprehend verbal instructions without the need to lip read.
- Able to attend regular outpatient follow-up appointments.
Exclusion
- Incapable of giving informed consent to study participation.
- Participating in other similar studies.
- Other significant Axis I diagnosis (including PTSD, OCD, Panic Disorder, Bipolar Affective Disorder, Substance dependence, Dementia)
- Psychotic episodes within the past 12 months.
- Recent (within the past 6 months) head trauma that required emergency care
- Currently on an antidepressant from the classes of Tricyclic antidepressants, Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, or Serotonin Noradrenaline Reuptake inhibitors (SNRI) such as venlafaxine, desvenlafaxine or duloxetine.
- Currently practicing any type of formal meditation, mindfulness or breathing techniques.
- Mini Mental Score Exam (MMSE) ≤18
Key Trial Info
Start Date :
August 1 2013
Trial Type :
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation :
ACTUAL
End Date :
February 1 2014
Estimated Enrollment :
8 Patients enrolled
Trial Details
Trial ID
NCT01908673
Start Date
August 1 2013
End Date
February 1 2014
Last Update
February 26 2014
Active Locations (1)
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1
London Health Sciences Centre
London, Ontario, Canada, N6A 5W9