Riluzole in the Treatment of Bipolar Depression

Phase

N/A

Condition

Mood Disorders

Depression (Major/severe)

Depression

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT00544544

2007-P-000751

Ages 18-65
All Genders

Study Summary

Bipolar disorder is a common and often chronic and debilitating mental illness. The depressive phase of bipolar disorder contributes the largest portion of the disorder, and treatment resistant bipolar depression represents a significant public health problem. Recent research has suggested that bipolar depression is associated with elevated brain glutamate activity. We hypothesize that riluzole, a drug approved for ALS which inhibits glutamate activity, will lead to clinical improvement in patients with bipolar depression.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

Male or female age 18-65
Meets DSM-IV criteria for Bipolar Disorder and is currently depressed
Current score of >/= 18 on the Hamilton Depression Scale

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

Active psychotic/manic symptoms
Lifetime history of schizophrenia or obsessive compulsive disorder
Clinically significant medical disease
Women who are pregnant or lactating and women who are not using a medically acceptedmethod of contraception.

Study Design

June 01, 2007

July 31, 2009

Study Description

We hypothesize that riluzole will lead to significant reduction in depressive symptoms as measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D). Additionally, improvement in depressive symptoms will be associated with reduced glutamate levels in the anterior cingulate cortex, but not parieto-occipital cortex, both at day two and day 42.

Connect with a study center

McLean Hospital
Belmont, Massachusetts 02478
United States
Site Not Available

Not the study for you?

Let us help you find the best match. Sign up as a volunteer and receive email notifications when clinical trials are posted in the medical category of interest to you.