Spot Depression Study

University of Cambridge

Status: Completed

Conditions: Bipolar Disorder; Depressive Disorder

Treatments: Procedure: Online questionnaire and self-administered blood spot

Study type: Observational

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT02804867

HBREC.2015.06

Details and patient eligibility

About

This study aims to identify signs of depression and bipolar disorder by measuring changes of certain molecules (biomarkers) that can be detected in dried blood spots. Our goal is to use these biomarkers to develop a diagnostic test to enable early treatment, which can lead to better patient outcomes.

Full description

Bipolar disorder and major depression are serious mental health conditions that have a devastating impact on patients, their families and friends, and society. Currently, no laboratory test exists for these disorders. We are trying to develop a molecular test based on blood spots (small spots of blood obtained from patients' fingertips that have been dried on special paper). Volunteers take part by filling out the questionnaire at www.spot-depression.org. They may then be selected to provide a dried blood spot, which can be collected at home using a kit that will be mailed to their address.

Enrollment: 1,000 estimated patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Residing in the United Kingdom
• Over 18 years of age

Exclusion criteria

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• Presence of blood-borne infection

Trial design

1,000 participants in 3 patient groups

Depression

Treatment:

Procedure: Online questionnaire and self-administered blood spot

Bipolar disorder

Treatment:

Procedure: Online questionnaire and self-administered blood spot

Control

Treatment:

Procedure: Online questionnaire and self-administered blood spot