Trial Information

Summary: Duloxetine for Chronic Depression: a Double-Blind Study

We 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. We 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. Our 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 us understand how antidepressants work in treating depression.

Patient Inclusion Criteria

• age 20 to 75 years (ages 20 to 50 for MRI sub-study)
• diagnosis of dysthymic disorder (chronic depression) or depression NOS
• minimum of 2 years duration of current episode of depression

Patient Exclusion Criteria

• current major depression
• diagnoses including delirium, dementia, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia
• substance abuse or dependence in the past 6 months
• pregnant or nursing women
• serious risk of suicide

If you would like to learn more about participating in this study, please send an e-mail message using the form below.