Desvenlafaxine Monotherapy in Dysthymia
Dysthymic DisorderThis multi-centred study will be conducted at two centres. The design will be an open label, flexible-dose study. This investigation will evaluate the efficacy of Desvenlafaxine monotherapy for patients who meet diagnostic criteria for dysthymia.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (REBT/CBT) Evaluation for Dysthymia in the Practice of Clinical Social...
DepressionDysthymia1 moreIntroduction: Minor psychiatric disorders are important in primary care, because of its high prevalence and consumption of healthcare resources generated. Objective: Evaluate the effectiveness of rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT), as an instrument of social work intervention to enhance changes in the parameters of quality of life, medical consultations and drug use in patients with dysthymia. Design: Multicenter, prospective, not randomized clinical trial, with intervention and control group simultaneously in urban primary care settings and 1 year of follow up. Participants: Out-patients seen in two Primary Care centers diagnosed with dysthymia according to DSM-IV classification of American Psychiatric Association. Intervention: Subjects receive up to 8 biweekly individual sessions of thirty minutes of REBT administered by the Social Worker. Variables: Demographic data, educational level, coexistence, comorbidity, quality of life assessment, severity of depression, number of visits to the General Practitioner (GP) and drug consumption: sedatives / antidepressants. Expected Results: The expected results of the intervention, estimated from previous data, are: A decrease in attendance at medical visits per year An improvement in perceived quality of life, measured as values of the Quality of Life (QOL) questionnaire (Baker & Intagliata) An improvement in severity of depression, measured according to the Beck Depression Inventory. A reduction of treatment with psychotropic drugs (sedatives and antidepressants). Potential impact expected: The investigators hope that rational emotive theory is an effective intervention method for handling minor psychiatric disorders in clinical social work.
The Efficacy of Parent Involvement in the Treatment of Adolescent Depression
Major Depressive DisorderDysthymic Disorder2 moreThe primary aim of this study is to examine whether adolescent depression and the family context in which it develops is best treated using an individual adolescent intervention or an intervention that includes both the adolescent and the parents. This will be accomplished by conducting a randomized controlled pilot study of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Adolescents (IPT-A) in comparison to Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Adolescents and Parents (IPT-AP).
Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Adolescents and Parents
Major DepressionDysthymic Disorder2 moreThe purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility and acceptability of an adaptation of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for Depressed Adolescents (IPT-A) that includes greater and more structured involvement of the parents in the treatment.
Duloxetine for Chronic Depression: a Double-blind Study
Dysthymic DisorderDepressive Disorder NOSThe investigators are studying a new antidepressant medicine, duloxetine, for the treatment of people with chronic depression. Duloxetine (trade name Cymbalta) was recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depression. The investigators are testing whether this medicine is also effective for adults with chronic depression (dysthymic disorder or dysthymia). Chronic depression, lasting two or more years, often causes significant suffering and impairment. The investigators study involves a 6 to 10 week double-blind Initial Phase during which half of the participants will take the new medication and half will take a placebo (an inactive look-alike pill). After the Initial Phase, a 12-week Continuation Phase will begin, during which all subjects can be treated with an FDA-approved antidepressant medication. Eligible subjects may also receive MRI scans, to help the investigators understand how antidepressants work in treating depression.
A Stepped Care Model of Adolescent Depression Treatment in Primary Care
Major Depressive DisorderDysthymiaIt is challenging for depressed adolescents and their families to access specialized mental health services. A viable option is delivering treatment in the primary care clinic (PCC) setting; however, few effective models are currently available. The overall aim of this study is to assess in the pediatric PCC, the preliminary acceptability and feasibility of a novel collaborative stepped care model of treatment for depressed adolescents.
A Trial of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Familial Dysautonomia
DysthymiaAnxiety Disorders3 moreTo determine the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in the severity of anxiety and depression in adult patients with familial dysautonomia. Patients will be enrolled in an 8-week CBT program. All CBT sessions will be done either in person at the NYU Dysautonomia Center or over the phone to help accommodate disability and potential physical limitations of our patient population.
Desvenlafaxine vs. Placebo Treatment of Chronic Depression
Dysthymic DisorderDysthymia1 moreThe investigators are studying a new antidepressant medicine, desvenlafaxine, for the treatment of people with chronic depression. Desvenlafaxine (trade name Pristiq) has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depression. The investigators are testing whether this medicine is also effective for adults with a type of chronic depression that is less severe than major depression. This condition is also known as dysthymic disorder or dysthymia. Chronic depression, lasting two or more years, often causes significant suffering and impairment. In addition, the investigators are using MRI imaging, which uses magnetic signals to make pictures of the brain's structure and also of its functioning. The purpose of MRI imaging in this study is to see whether chronic depression is associated with differences in brain structure or functioning, and whether such differences change after medication or placebo treatment. To test this MRI scans are done at the start of the study and after 12 weeks of medication or placebo treatment. Getting MRI imaging will be an option for participants in this study but is not required. This study involves a 6 to 12 week double-blind period during which half of the participants will take the new medication and half will take a placebo (an inactive look-alike pill). After the double blind phase, all subjects can be treated for 12 weeks with an FDA-approved antidepressant medication. Assessments (of depressive symptoms, social functioning, and personality) will be done by study staff and by patients before the study starts, at each study visit for the first 12 weeks, and again after 24 weeks in the study.
Improving Depression Care for Elders: Coordinating Center
Major DepressionDysthymic Disorder1 morePurpose: To determine the effectiveness of the Improving Mood-Promoting Access to Collaborative Treatment(IMPACT) collaborative care management program for late-life depression.
Wellbutrin XL for Dysthymic Disorder
Dysthymic DisorderThis is a ten-week, double-blind study of Wellbutrin XL in outpatients with dysthymic disorder, a form of low-grade chronic depression. We hypothesize that patients taking Wellbutrin XL will show greater improvement in depression symptoms and psychosocial functioning than patients taking placebo.