SSRIs vs. TCAs for Depression in ALS Patients
Depression, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Depression
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Documented diagnosis of definite or probable ALS
- Informed and written consent for enrollment in study
- Gender: both male and female
- Age: 25-80 years
- BDI score 19 or above
- Depression diagnosis by mental health provider
Exclusion Criteria:
- History of psychotic disorder, premorbid bipolar depression
- ALS-FRS score < 26
- Cognitive impairment
- Currently on SSRIs or TCAs. However if for some reason they are off their treatment, then they can be enrolled in the study after a washout period of 30 days.
- Currently on other antidepressants such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), selective norepinephrine re-uptake inhibitors (SNRIs) etc.
Sites / Locations
- Monteleone Hall, Saint Louis University, 1438 South Grand Blvd.
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Active Comparator
Active Comparator
Arm 1 - TCA
Arm 2 - SSRI
The Tricyclic Antidepressant ("TCA") group will receive medication for 12 weeks. Patients will be evaluated every 4 weeks and phone call will be made in between visits to assess the effectiveness and side effects of the medication. Questionnaires will be repeated in the clinic visits and will be used in the data analysis to look for improvements and to compare the two classes of medication in this study.
The Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor ("SSRI") group will receive medication for 12 weeks. Patients will be evaluated every 4 weeks and phone call will be made in between visits to assess the effectiveness and side effects of the medication. Questionnaires will be repeated in the clinic visits and will be used in the data analysis to look for improvements and to compare the two classes of medication in this study.