MESA Study

STUDY BASICS

Does your child have a history of severe depression and is age 13-17? If so, your child may be able to take part in a research study to help understand the causes of treatment-resistant depression. Study involves an initial phone screening and 3 visits. Compensation is provided.

STUDY PURPOSE

There are many known causes of depression. Researchers think that in some individuals, depression may be related to an unidentified underlying metabolic disorder. In metabolic disorders, abnormal chemical reactions in the body can cause changes to normal body processes. The purpose of this study is to help researchers understand the potential metabolic basis for hard-to-treat depression. Specifically, researchers will be studying genetic and metabolic material (like proteins, vitamins, and neurotransmitters) from a child’s blood and/or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear colorless fluid that is continuously produced and absorbed and that flows around the surface of the brain and spinal cord.

COULD THIS STUDY BE RIGHT FOR YOUR CHILD?

• Between age 13-17
• History of severe depression

WHAT PARTICIPANTS CAN EXPECT

Participation includes 3 study visits and includes interviews, blood draws, an optional lumbar puncture, and other medical tests. Results of the metabolic testing will be disclosed to you and your child at the final visit.