Brain Markers of Midlife Depression and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

What is this Study about?

This study is part of a cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) research program that seeks to demonstrate the effectiveness of CBT in treating major depressive disorder (MDD) in mid-to-late life, especially as MDD is a key risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. As inflammation has recently been linked to MDD, and CBT has been demonstrated to reduce inflammation, this study also aims to understand the role of inflammation in MDD severity and in the likelihood of response to CBT.

What Will Happen in This Study?

The participants will also be provided with a 12-week CBT treatment at no cost. The participant will be undergoing neuroimaging (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)), clinical psychological assessments and biosampling (blood sampling). The neuroimaging (1 hour), clinical assessment (2 hours) and blood sampling (0.5 hour) will take place at Baycrest a total of two times, once before and once after the CBT. The CBT sessions will take place online.

Who is Eligible to Participate in this Study?

You are eligible to participate if you:

1) Are between 40-75 years old, inclusive.

2) Meet diagnosis of a major depressive episode determined through a structured clinical interview conducted by the study clinical psychologist

3) Are currently experiencing a major depressive episode of at least 3 months in length.

4) Have the ability to understand and comply with the requirements of the study, as judged by the investigator(s).

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