Resolving Early Life Stress: Psychotherapy Outcomes and Neurobiology in Complex Depression

Trial statusRecruiting
Trial phaseNot applicable
Trial typeInterventional
Biological sexFemale
Age18-65
SponsorSt. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

About this trial

The RESPOND trial explores the link between early life adversity and later life depressive symptoms. The investigators have designed a new psychological therapy tailored to address the symptoms that can be caused by difficult experiences in early life. These symptoms include low mood, emotional dysregulation, and distressing thoughts and beliefs related to difficult or traumatic experiences. The investigators would like to see if this new therapy helps people feel better. The investigators are also studying the biological changes that can occur as a result of early life adversity, and how this therapy may influence those changes. To do this, the investigators ask questions about participants' physical and mental health and take blood samples.

Eligibility criteria

Qualifiers

Adults 18 years old or older

At or above 18 on HAM-D, indicative of moderate-severe depressive symptoms

Any childhood (before 18 years old) adversity as indicated by scores on the CECA q and ACES q

Disqualifiers

Individuals who meet for PTSD diagnosis from a criterion A trauma occurring in adulthood without a history of ELA

Individuals experiencing active mania or psychosis

Individuals with an active substance use disorder

Individuals presenting with active suicide risk (plan, intention, means) indicative of a need for higher level care

Trial design

Treatments tested in this trial

  • Psychotherapy

Treatment groups

50 Participants
are divided into 1 treatment group

Sponsors and collaborators

St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

Lead sponsor

Sun Life Financial Movement Disorders Research and Rehabilitation Centre

Collaborator