VOLUNTEERS WANTED
FenDep is a cutting-edge brain imaging study investigating the biological basis of depression, with a particular focus on the serotonin system and whether this can be used to predict antidepressant response. We are recruiting both healthy volunteers and individuals with depression. Ideally, those with depression will NOT have tried an antidepressant before but be happy to start one if clinically appropriate. If you suspect you are suffering with low mood, you do not have to have previously diagnosed with depression. Anyone who participates in the depressed group will be reviewed by a Consultant Psychiatrist before enrolment.
If you completed the online personality tool already and have already read the study summary, please contact the study team if you are interested in participating.
HEALTHY VOLUNTEERS (21 years old and above)
Should not have a history of psychiatric, neurological, heart, lung, or vascular disorders.
INDIVIDUALS WITH DEPRESSION (21 years old and above)
Should ideally have never taken an antidepressant before, or at least not during the last 8-week period prior to the first scan and be willing to consider starting an antidepressant. Volunteers in this group should not have any other psychiatric diagnosis, or have any neurological, heart, lung, or vascular disorders.
Overview of events
- We will contact you to undertake a pre-screening over the phone.
- If we think you are broadly eligible, you will need to undergo an in-person screening at Imperial College London to confirm you are eligible. Irrespective of formal diagnosis, individuals wishing to enrol in the depression group will be assessed remotely or in-person by an Oxford Consultant Psychiatrist.
- You will then need to attend Imperial College London for two imaging days. During one of these visits, you will be medication (fenfluramine) to stimulate the release of serotonin before undergoing a positron emission tomography (PET), MRI and EEG scan. On the other imaging day, you will be given a placebo (non-active substance) before undergoing the same investigations. More details can be found in the Participant Information Sheet.
Study Duration
- The study consists of a screening visit and two full days of scans and assessments.
- The scans will be spaced 1-2 weeks apart
- For individuals suffering with depression, there will 3 remote follow-up visits, during which a Consultant Psychiatrist will review you clinically and we ask that you complete a few online surveys
Reimbursement
Reimbursement is allocated for each study event:
- Screening: £60
- Imaging visits: £250 per visit (2)
- Follow up visit (depressed group only): £30 per visit (3X visits)
As such, on completion of the study healthy volunteers will receive £560.
Due to the additional completion of the remote follow up visit, individuals with depression will receive £650.
Travel expenses will be reimbursed, and food will be provided/reimbursed on the imaging days.
Contact Details
If interested in participating or have any queries, please use the emails below.
If you think you may be eligible to participate as a healthy volunteer and would like to contact us directly:
If you think you may be eligible to participate as someone with depression and would like to contact us directly:
