Protocol for teen inflammation glutamate emotion research (TIGER): Toward predictors of treatment response and clinical course in depressed adolescents.
Saché M Coury, Vanessa López, Zia Bajwa...
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38235411Actively Recruiting
Age: 14Years - 21Years
All Genders
ID05329441
Inflammatory and Glutamatergic Mechanisms of Sustained Threat in Adolescents With Depression: Toward Predictors of Treatment Response and Clinical Course
Led by University of California, Los Angeles · Updated on 2026-05-29
160
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
U
University of California, Los Angeles
Lead Sponsor
U
University of Southern California
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are investigating depression in adolescents, focusing on why up to 40% do not respond to first-line antidepressants called SSRIs. The study aims to understand how acute stress affects inflammation and glutamate levels in brain areas linked to depression, and how these factors relate to treatment non-response (TNR) and the clinical course over 18 months. This observational study involves 160 unmedicated depressed adolescents aged 14 to 21. Participants undergo a modified Trier Social Stress Test (TSST), which includes a 5-minute arithmetic task and a 5-minute speech task, to measure stress responses. At two time points, before and after a 12-week open-label SSRI treatment with fluoxetine or escitalopram, researchers assess inflammation and glutamate in brain circuits using advanced neuroimaging. Follow-up assessments continue every three months for 15 months to track depression symptoms and social stressors. Participants will attend several visits for mood ratings, blood tests, and brain scans. Researchers use questionnaires and behavioral assessments during stress testing to evaluate changes in mood and biological markers. The main outcomes include depression rating scales and clinical interviews at baseline and after 12 weeks. The long-term follow-up monitors depression trajectories and treatment response predictors to better understand sustained threat mechanisms in adolescent depression.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Inflammatory and Glutamatergic Mechanisms of Sustained Threat in Adolescents With Depression
Who Can Participate
Age: 14Years - 21Years
All Genders
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- All sexes and genders
- All ethnicities
- Ages 14 to 21 years
- Postpubertal with Tanner stage greater than 3
- No medications that interfere with the study for at least 2 to 6 weeks
- Currently receiving treatment with fluoxetine or escitalopram
- Able to provide assent and complete study procedures
- Caregiver consent if applicable
You will not qualify if you...
- Primary mental health diagnosis other than depressive disorder
- Contraindications to MRI scanning, blood draws, or SSRI treatment
- Use of stimulants
- Recent concussion within 6 weeks or any concussion with loss of consciousness lasting 10 minutes or more
- Inflammatory conditions or use of anti-inflammatory medications
- Major neurological or developmental disorders impacting study compliance
- Current or lifetime mania, psychosis, bipolar disorder, or substance use disorders
- First-degree relative with current or past mania or psychosis
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
1
2
3
Your Study Journey
Screening
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Diagnostic Evaluation
Duration - 1 day
Participants complete baseline assessments including clinical interviews, mood ratings, blood draws, and neuroimaging before starting SSRI treatment.
1 visit (in-person)
Outpatient Treatment
Duration - 12 weeks
Participants undergo a 12-week open-label SSRI treatment while completing repeated Trier Social Stress Test tasks and assessments of inflammation and glutamate.
Multiple visits during treatment period
Follow-up Monitoring
Duration - 15 months
Participants are clinically assessed every 3 months for 15 months after treatment to monitor depression symptoms and social stressors.
Quarterly visits (every 3 months)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of California, Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California, United States, 90095
Actively Recruiting
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Research Team
T
Tiffany Ho, Ph.D.
C
Cheryl Sun, B.A.
How is the study designed?
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Masking
N/A
Allocation
N/A
Model
N/A
Primary Purpose
N/A
Number of Arms
1
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