Sankt Urban

Researchers are evaluating how pharmacist-guided pre-emptive pharmacogenetic testing can influence the selection and dosing of antidepressant medication for patients diagnosed with moderate to severe depression. The study compares this approach with standard antidepressant treatment where medication decisions are made without genetic testing support. This randomized clinical trial aims to assess the effectiveness and tolerability of antidepressants, with 95 patients planned for each treatment group, all hospitalized and closely monitored during their treatment period. The study involves three groups an intervention group receiving antidepressant therapy guided by pharmacogenetic testing and clinical pharmacist recommendations a standard care group where doctors choose antidepressants based on clinical judgment alone and an observational group for patients who do not require medication adjustments after the first hospitalization week. Pharmacogenetic testing includes genotyping and interpretation using the Stratipharm service to personalize antidepressant selection and dosing. Participants remain hospitalized for at least five weeks, allowing thorough monitoring of treatment response. During the study, participants undergo assessments including their response to antidepressant therapy at 28 days, time to response, remission rates, and changes in depression severity via the HAM-D17 scale. Additional measures include patient self-ratings of depression, side effect evaluations, and tracking of any adverse events related to medication. The study continues monitoring participants until they leave the clinic, with follow-up lasting up to three months to capture time until discharge and longer-term outcomes.