Major Depressive Disorder
Conditions
Brief summary
This project seeks to elucidate the mechanisms by which antidepressant medications have limited efficacy in Late Life Depression (LLD) in order to develop new treatment interventions for this prevalent and disabling illness. Investigators hypothesize that the presence of executive dysfunction (ED),which is common in depressed adults over 60, impairs the ability to form appropriate expectancies of improvement with antidepressant treatment. Greater expectancy has been shown to improve antidepressant treatment outcome and is hypothesized to be a primary mechanism of placebo effects. Moreover, white matter hyperintensities (WMH) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are more prevalent in patients with LLD compared to healthy controls. It has been argued that WMH contribute to the pathogenesis of LLD with ED and decrease the efficacy of antidepressant medications by disrupting connections between prefrontal cortical (PFC) and subcortical structures. Vascular lesions to white matter tracts may also compromise the pathway by which expectancy-based placebo effects influence depressive symptoms. Expectancies reflect activation in PFC areas that may improve depressive symptoms by modulating the activity of subcortical regions subserving negative affective systems (i.e., amygdala) as well as those important in reward and hedonic capacity (nucleus accumbens and ventral striatum). Thus, LLD patients with ED and WMH may sustain a double-hit to their ability to experience placebo effects in antidepressant treatments: ED diminishes the ability to generate appropriate treatment expectancies, while WMH disrupt the physiologic pathways by which expectancies lead to improvement in depressive symptoms.
Detailed description
To determine whether decreased antidepressant medication response in LLD patients with ED and WMH is caused by a loss of expectancy effects, Investigators will evaluate 130 outpatients with LLD at baseline to determine their degree of ED (interference score on Stroop Color-Word Test), WMH burden (severity score on Fazekas modified Coffey Rating Scale derived from anatomical MRI), and white matter tract integrity (using diffusion tensor imaging \[DTI\]). Building on work from the investigators K23 Award, the investigator will manipulate participants' expectancy of improvement in an 8-week duration antidepressant trial by randomizing patients between open administration of escitalopram (i.e., high expectancy) and placebo-controlled administration of escitalopram (i.e., low expectancy). The difference in antidepressant response observed between open and placebo-controlled medication treatment is a measure of the expectancy contribution to outcome, which is substantial in younger depressed adults but investigators hypothesize this will be diminished in LLD patients with ED and WMH.
Interventions
DRUGEscitalopram
Escitalopram is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is FDA approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults and children over 12 years of age.
DRUGPlacebo oral tablet
Inert substance or treatment which is designed to have no therapeutic value but resemble the active medication in this study
Sponsors
New York State Psychiatric Institute
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
QUADRUPLE (Subject, Caregiver, Investigator, Outcomes Assessor)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
60 Years to 90 Years
Healthy volunteers
No
Inclusion criteria
* Men and women aged 60-90 years * Diagnosis with nonpsychotic Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) IV MDD * 24-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) score ≥ 16 * Willing to and capable of providing informed consent and complying with study procedures
Exclusion criteria
* Current comorbid Axis I DSM IV disorder other than Nicotine Dependence, Adjustment Disorder, or Anxiety Disorder * diagnosis of substance abuse or dependence (excluding Nicotine Dependence) within the past 12 months * History of psychosis, psychotic disorder, mania, or bipolar disorder * Diagnosis of probable Alzheimer's Disease, Vascular Dementia, or Parkinson's Disease * MMSE \< 24 * HRSD suicide item \> 2 or Clinical Global Impressions (CGI)-Severity score of 7 at baseline * history of allergic or adverse reaction to escitalopram, or non-response to adequate trial of escitalopram (at least 4 weeks at dose of 20mg) during the current episode * current treatment with psychotherapy, antidepressants, antipsychotics, or mood stabilizers * having contraindication to MRI scanning (such as metal in body) or unable to tolerate the scanning procedures (i.e., severe obesity, claustrophobia) * acute, severe, or unstable medical or neurological illness
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) | Baseline | Our target is depressive symptomatology as measured by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). The HRSD is a 24-item questionnaire used as an indication of depression and a guide to evaluate recovery. Total scores range from 0-74, not including atypical symptoms sub-scale. A score of 16 or above is typically considered to indicate the presence of depressive symptoms. Higher scores indicate greater severity. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS-SR) | Baseline | QIDS-SR is a 16 item scale self-report form that was used to measure depression outcomes. This self-report is valuable in this study, because it is less susceptible to clinician and rater bias. The QIDS-SR has been increasingly used in antidepressant studies due to its equivalent weightings for each symptom item, clearly understandable anchor points, and inclusion of all DSM criteria for depression. The scores range from 0-27 with 27 being worse depressive symptoms. |
| Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Better (CES) | Pre-Baseline | CES is an 8 item scale in which subjects rate their impression of the credibility of the treatment and how they estimate their expectation of improvement. The CES is the most widely used measure of expectancy and has demonstrated good psychometric properties in multiple studies. Question 2 ('Better') asks the patient the chances of their depression being completely better at the end of this study, from 1 = very poor to 7 = very good. The higher the number, the higher the expectancy that they will be better. |
| Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Depression | Pre-baseline | CES is an 8 item scale in which subjects rate their impression of the credibility of the treatment and how they estimate their expectation of improvement. The CES is the most widely used measure of expectancy and has demonstrated good psychometric properties in multiple studies. CES question 3 ('Depression') asks how the patient's depression will be at the end of the study, compared with now, from 1 = much worse to 7= much better. The higher the number, the higher the expectancy that their depression will be much better. |
| Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) | Week 8 | Our target is depressive symptomatology as measured by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). The HRSD is a 24-item questionnaire used as an indication of depression and a guide to evaluate recovery. Total scores range from 0-74, not including atypical symptoms sub-scale. A score of 16 or above is typically considered to indicate the presence of depressive symptoms. Higher scores indicate greater severity. |
| Executive Dysfunction: Stroop Color Word | Pre-Baseline | Stroop Color Word test asks patients to name the color of a word rather than reading the word. Stroop Color Word is how many colors they can name in 45 sec (higher is better, e.g., less executive dysfunction). |
| Executive Dysfunction: Stroop Interference | Pre-Baseline | The Stroop is a measure of inhibition under distracting conditions that is sensitive to frontal lobe dysfunction. in Stroop Color Word test patients are to name the color of a word rather than reading the word. Stroop Color Word is how many colors they can name in 45 sec (higher is better, e.g., less executive dysfunction). Stroop Interference is this score adjusted for age and education. |
| White Matter Hyperintensity (WMH) Outcome- Total WMH | Pre-Baseline | Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Brain was acquired. We rated the severity of WMH on axial T2 FLAIR images using the Fazekas modified Coffey Rating Scale. Deep WMH are scored as 0 (absent), 1 (punctate foci), 2 (beginning confluence of foci), and 3 (large confluent areas); subcortical gray matter HIs (basal ganglia) are scored as 0 (absent), 1 (punctate), 2 (multipunctate), and 3 (diffuse); periventricular HIs are scored as 0 (absent), 1 (caps), 2 (smooth halo), and 3 (irregular and extending into the deep white matter). Our primary measure of WMH burden will be DWMH score, which has been used to establish the only empirically validated diagnostic criteria for vascular depression, where scores of 0-1 were normal, but 2-3 indicated WHM. |
| Quick Inventory of Depression Scale (QIDS-SR): Expectancy | Pre-Baseline | This 16-items assessment is used to rate the 9 criterion symptom domains of a major depressive episode: 4 items are used to rate sleep disturbance (early, middle, and late insomnia plus hypersomnia); 2 items are used to rate psychomotor disturbance (agitation and retardation); 4 items are used to rate appetite/weight disturbance (appetite increase or decrease and weight increase or decrease). Only 1 item is used to rate the remaining 6 domains (depressed mood, decreased interest, decreased energy, worthlessness/guilt, concentration/decision making, and suicidal ideation). Each item is rated 0-3. For symptom domains that require more than 1 item, the highest score of the item relevant for each domain is taken. The total score ranges from 0-27. A lower rating indicates higher expectancy of improvement and lower expectation of depressive symptomatology, and a higher rating indicates lower expectancy of improvement, higher expectation of depression. |
Countries
United States
Participant flow
Pre-assignment details
138 subjects signed consent, 108 were randomized to one of the 3 arms therefore they cannot be classified to any of the below arms.
Participants by arm
| Arm | Count |
|---|---|
| Placebo Blinded treatment with placebo.
Placebo oral tablet: Inert substance or treatment which is designed to have no therapeutic value but resemble the active medication in this study | 8 |
| Escitalopram Blinded treatment with either escitalopram, increased to escitalopram 20mg or placebo at week 4 if depression has not remitted
Escitalopram: Escitalopram is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is FDA approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults and children over 12 years of age. | 51 |
| Open Treatment With Escitalopram Open treatment with 10mg of escitalopram, increased to 20mg if depression has not remitted at week 4.
Escitalopram: Escitalopram is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is FDA approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD) and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in adults and children over 12 years of age. | 49 |
| Total | 108 |
Withdrawals & dropouts
| Period | Reason | FG000 | FG001 | FG002 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Study | Lost to Follow-up | 0 | 5 | 2 |
| Overall Study | Withdrawal by Subject | 0 | 0 | 2 |
Baseline characteristics
| Characteristic | Escitalopram | Open Treatment With Escitalopram | Total | Placebo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Age, Customized Age at Screening | 70.7 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 8.4 | 69.2 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.2 | 70.2 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.8 | 73.9 years STANDARD_DEVIATION 7.2 |
| Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) | 23.6 units on a scale STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.1 | 22.9 units on a scale STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.3 | 23.2 units on a scale STANDARD_DEVIATION 6.1 | 22.8 units on a scale STANDARD_DEVIATION 4.9 |
| Race/Ethnicity, Customized Asian | 0 participants | 1 participants | 1 participants | 0 participants |
| Race/Ethnicity, Customized Black/African American | 6 participants | 8 participants | 15 participants | 1 participants |
| Race/Ethnicity, Customized Don't Know | 3 participants | 3 participants | 7 participants | 1 participants |
| Race/Ethnicity, Customized Missing | 1 participants | 0 participants | 0 participants | 0 participants |
| Race/Ethnicity, Customized More than one | 6 participants | 3 participants | 10 participants | 1 participants |
| Race/Ethnicity, Customized White | 35 participants | 34 participants | 74 participants | 5 participants |
| Region of Enrollment United States | 51 Participants | 49 Participants | 108 Participants | 8 Participants |
| Sex: Female, Male Female | 32 Participants | 32 Participants | 70 Participants | 6 Participants |
| Sex: Female, Male Male | 19 Participants | 17 Participants | 38 Participants | 2 Participants |
Adverse events
| Event type | EG000 affected / at risk | EG001 affected / at risk | EG002 affected / at risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| deaths Total, all-cause mortality | 0 / 8 | 0 / 51 | 0 / 49 |
| other Total, other adverse events | 0 / 8 | 0 / 51 | 0 / 49 |
| serious Total, serious adverse events | 0 / 8 | 2 / 51 | 1 / 49 |
Outcome results
Primary
Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD)
Our target is depressive symptomatology as measured by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). The HRSD is a 24-item questionnaire used as an indication of depression and a guide to evaluate recovery. Total scores range from 0-74, not including atypical symptoms sub-scale. A score of 16 or above is typically considered to indicate the presence of depressive symptoms. Higher scores indicate greater severity.
Time frame: Baseline
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Blind-Placebo Group | Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) | 22.8 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.9 |
| Double Blind-Escitalopram Group | Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) | 23.6 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 6.1 |
| Open Treatment With Escitalopram | Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) | 22.9 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 6.3 |
Secondary
Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Better (CES)
CES is an 8 item scale in which subjects rate their impression of the credibility of the treatment and how they estimate their expectation of improvement. The CES is the most widely used measure of expectancy and has demonstrated good psychometric properties in multiple studies. Question 2 ('Better') asks the patient the chances of their depression being completely better at the end of this study, from 1 = very poor to 7 = very good. The higher the number, the higher the expectancy that they will be better.
Time frame: Pre-Baseline
Population: 138 subjects were consented, of which 108 were randomized, however only 101 completed pre-baseline Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Better (CES).
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Blind-Placebo Group | Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Better (CES) | 6 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.1 |
| Double Blind-Escitalopram Group | Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Better (CES) | 5.5 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.2 |
| Open Treatment With Escitalopram | Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Better (CES) | 5.3 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.3 |
Secondary
Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Better (CES)
CES is an 8 item scale in which subjects rate their impression of the credibility of the treatment and how they estimate their expectation of improvement. The CES is the most widely used measure of expectancy and has demonstrated good psychometric properties in multiple studies. Question 2 ('Better') asks the patient the chances of their depression being completely better at the end of this study, from 1 = very poor to 7 = very good. The higher the number, the higher the expectancy that they will be better.
Time frame: Week 0
Population: 138 subjects were consented, of which 108 were randomized, however only 106 completed week 0 Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Better (CES).
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Blind-Placebo Group | Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Better (CES) | 5.63 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.92 |
| Double Blind-Escitalopram Group | Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Better (CES) | 5.00 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.36 |
| Open Treatment With Escitalopram | Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Better (CES) | 5.67 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.4 |
Secondary
Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Depression
CES is an 8 item scale in which subjects rate their impression of the credibility of the treatment and how they estimate their expectation of improvement. The CES is the most widely used measure of expectancy and has demonstrated good psychometric properties in multiple studies. CES question 3 ('Depression') asks how the patient's depression will be at the end of the study, compared with now, from 1 = much worse to 7= much better. The higher the number, the higher the expectancy that their depression will be much better.
Time frame: Pre-baseline
Population: 138 subjects were consented, of which 108 were randomized, however only 101 completed pre-baseline Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Depression.
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Blind-Placebo Group | Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Depression | 6.3 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.2 |
| Double Blind-Escitalopram Group | Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Depression | 6.0 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.9 |
| Open Treatment With Escitalopram | Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Depression | 5.9 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.9 |
Secondary
Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Depression
CES is an 8 item scale in which subjects rate their impression of the credibility of the treatment and how they estimate their expectation of improvement. The CES is the most widely used measure of expectancy and has demonstrated good psychometric properties in multiple studies. CES question 3 ('Depression') asks how the patient's depression will be at the end of the study, compared with now, from 1 = much worse to 7= much better. The higher the number, the higher the expectancy that their depression will be much better.
Time frame: Week 0
Population: 138 subjects were consented, of which 108 were randomized, however only 106 completed week 0 Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Depression.
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Blind-Placebo Group | Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Depression | 5.88 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.99 |
| Double Blind-Escitalopram Group | Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Depression | 5.40 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.09 |
| Open Treatment With Escitalopram | Credibility and Expectancy Scale-Depression | 6.06 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 0.84 |
Secondary
Executive Dysfunction: Stroop Color Word
Stroop Color Word test asks patients to name the color of a word rather than reading the word. Stroop Color Word is how many colors they can name in 45 sec (higher is better, e.g., less executive dysfunction).
Time frame: Pre-Baseline
Population: 138 subjects were consented, of which 108 were randomized, however only 106 completed pre-baseline Executive Dysfunction: Stroop Color Word.
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Blind-Placebo Group | Executive Dysfunction: Stroop Color Word | 31.7 correct items | Standard Deviation 6.1 |
| Double Blind-Escitalopram Group | Executive Dysfunction: Stroop Color Word | 31.0 correct items | Standard Deviation 9 |
| Open Treatment With Escitalopram | Executive Dysfunction: Stroop Color Word | 32.6 correct items | Standard Deviation 11 |
Secondary
Executive Dysfunction: Stroop Interference
The Stroop is a measure of inhibition under distracting conditions that is sensitive to frontal lobe dysfunction. in Stroop Color Word test patients are to name the color of a word rather than reading the word. Stroop Color Word is how many colors they can name in 45 sec (higher is better, e.g., less executive dysfunction). Stroop Interference is this score adjusted for age and education.
Time frame: Pre-Baseline
Population: 138 subjects were consented, of which 108 were randomized, however only 105 completed pre-baseline Executive Dysfunction: Stroop Interference.
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Blind-Placebo Group | Executive Dysfunction: Stroop Interference | 42.2 correct items | Standard Deviation 6.8 |
| Double Blind-Escitalopram Group | Executive Dysfunction: Stroop Interference | 42.9 correct items | Standard Deviation 11.2 |
| Open Treatment With Escitalopram | Executive Dysfunction: Stroop Interference | 44.1 correct items | Standard Deviation 10.4 |
Secondary
Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD)
Our target is depressive symptomatology as measured by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD). The HRSD is a 24-item questionnaire used as an indication of depression and a guide to evaluate recovery. Total scores range from 0-74, not including atypical symptoms sub-scale. A score of 16 or above is typically considered to indicate the presence of depressive symptoms. Higher scores indicate greater severity.
Time frame: Week 8
Population: Although 138 subjects were enrolled (signed consent) and 108 were randomized, only 99 completed the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) at week 8.
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Blind-Placebo Group | Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) | 13.25 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 5.5 |
| Double Blind-Escitalopram Group | Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) | 14.39 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 8.13 |
| Open Treatment With Escitalopram | Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD) | 11.67 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 7.58 |
Secondary
Quick Inventory of Depression Scale (QIDS-SR): Expectancy
This 16-items assessment is used to rate the 9 criterion symptom domains of a major depressive episode: 4 items are used to rate sleep disturbance (early, middle, and late insomnia plus hypersomnia); 2 items are used to rate psychomotor disturbance (agitation and retardation); 4 items are used to rate appetite/weight disturbance (appetite increase or decrease and weight increase or decrease). Only 1 item is used to rate the remaining 6 domains (depressed mood, decreased interest, decreased energy, worthlessness/guilt, concentration/decision making, and suicidal ideation). Each item is rated 0-3. For symptom domains that require more than 1 item, the highest score of the item relevant for each domain is taken. The total score ranges from 0-27. A lower rating indicates higher expectancy of improvement and lower expectation of depressive symptomatology, and a higher rating indicates lower expectancy of improvement, higher expectation of depression.
Time frame: Pre-Baseline
Population: 138 subjects were consented, of which 108 were randomized, however only 101 completed pre-baseline Quick Inventory of Depression Scale (QIDS-SR): Expectancy.
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Blind-Placebo Group | Quick Inventory of Depression Scale (QIDS-SR): Expectancy | 5.3 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 6.2 |
| Double Blind-Escitalopram Group | Quick Inventory of Depression Scale (QIDS-SR): Expectancy | 4.8 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.7 |
| Open Treatment With Escitalopram | Quick Inventory of Depression Scale (QIDS-SR): Expectancy | 5.8 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.5 |
Secondary
Quick Inventory of Depression Scale (QIDS-SR): Expectancy
This 16-items assessment is used to rate the 9 criterion symptom domains of a major depressive episode: 4 items are used to rate sleep disturbance (early, middle, and late insomnia plus hypersomnia); 2 items are used to rate psychomotor disturbance (agitation and retardation); 4 items are used to rate appetite/weight disturbance (appetite increase or decrease and weight increase or decrease). Only 1 item is used to rate the remaining 6 domains (depressed mood, decreased interest, decreased energy, worthlessness/guilt, concentration/decision making, and suicidal ideation). Each item is rated 0-3. For symptom domains that require more than 1 item, the highest score of the item relevant for each domain is taken. The total score ranges from 0-27. A lower rating indicates higher expectancy of improvement and lower expectation of depressive symptomatology, and a higher rating indicates lower expectancy of improvement, higher expectation of depression.
Time frame: Week 0
Population: 138 subjects were consented, of which 108 were randomized, however only 107 completed week 0 Quick Inventory of Depression Scale (QIDS-SR): Expectancy.
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Blind-Placebo Group | Quick Inventory of Depression Scale (QIDS-SR): Expectancy | 6.63 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.42 |
| Double Blind-Escitalopram Group | Quick Inventory of Depression Scale (QIDS-SR): Expectancy | 6.20 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.83 |
| Open Treatment With Escitalopram | Quick Inventory of Depression Scale (QIDS-SR): Expectancy | 4.92 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 3.83 |
Secondary
Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS-SR)
QIDS-SR is a 16 item scale self-report form that was used to measure depression outcomes. This self-report is valuable in this study, because it is less susceptible to clinician and rater bias. The QIDS-SR has been increasingly used in antidepressant studies due to its equivalent weightings for each symptom item, clearly understandable anchor points, and inclusion of all DSM criteria for depression. The scores range from 0-27 with 27 being worse depressive symptoms.
Time frame: Week 8
Population: 138 subjects were consented, of which 108 were randomized, however only 99 completed week 8 Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS-SR).
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Blind-Placebo Group | Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS-SR) | 8.00 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 2.93 |
| Double Blind-Escitalopram Group | Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS-SR) | 6.93 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 5.14 |
| Open Treatment With Escitalopram | Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS-SR) | 6.34 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 5.31 |
Secondary
Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS-SR)
QIDS-SR is a 16 item scale self-report form that was used to measure depression outcomes. This self-report is valuable in this study, because it is less susceptible to clinician and rater bias. The QIDS-SR has been increasingly used in antidepressant studies due to its equivalent weightings for each symptom item, clearly understandable anchor points, and inclusion of all DSM criteria for depression. The scores range from 0-27 with 27 being worse depressive symptoms.
Time frame: Baseline
Population: 138 subjects were consented, of which 108 were randomized, however only 107 completed baseline Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS-SR).
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Blind-Placebo Group | Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS-SR) | 12.4 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.4 |
| Double Blind-Escitalopram Group | Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS-SR) | 13.5 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.5 |
| Open Treatment With Escitalopram | Quick Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (QIDS-SR) | 13.0 units on a scale | Standard Deviation 4.7 |
Secondary
White Matter Hyperintensity (WMH) Outcome- Total WMH
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Brain was acquired. We rated the severity of WMH on axial T2 FLAIR images using the Fazekas modified Coffey Rating Scale. Deep WMH are scored as 0 (absent), 1 (punctate foci), 2 (beginning confluence of foci), and 3 (large confluent areas); subcortical gray matter HIs (basal ganglia) are scored as 0 (absent), 1 (punctate), 2 (multipunctate), and 3 (diffuse); periventricular HIs are scored as 0 (absent), 1 (caps), 2 (smooth halo), and 3 (irregular and extending into the deep white matter). Our primary measure of WMH burden will be DWMH score, which has been used to establish the only empirically validated diagnostic criteria for vascular depression, where scores of 0-1 were normal, but 2-3 indicated WHM.
Time frame: Pre-Baseline
Population: 138 subjects signed consent and 108 were randomized, however not all participants underwent MRI scanning.
| Arm | Measure | Value (MEAN) | Dispersion |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Blind-Placebo Group | White Matter Hyperintensity (WMH) Outcome- Total WMH | 2.3 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.7 |
| Double Blind-Escitalopram Group | White Matter Hyperintensity (WMH) Outcome- Total WMH | 2.1 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 1.9 |
| Open Treatment With Escitalopram | White Matter Hyperintensity (WMH) Outcome- Total WMH | 1.9 score on a scale | Standard Deviation 2.2 |