Liothyronine (T3) for Bipolar Depression

Last updated: June 5, 2015
Sponsor: Northwell Health
Overall Status: Completed

Phase

3

Condition

Depression

Bipolar Disorder

Mood Disorders

Treatment

N/A

Clinical Study ID

NCT00790738
08-001
  • Ages 18-65
  • All Genders

Study Summary

This study evaluates the efficacy of the thyroid hormone T3 for depression in patients with bipolar disorder. In this study patients will be randomized to receive T3 or placebo.

Eligibility Criteria

Inclusion

Inclusion Criteria:

  1. Age 18-65;

  2. DSM-IV diagnosis of BP I or BP II as per SCID;

  3. Currently presenting with at least moderate levels of depression (HAM-D > 15;

  4. Patient has to be on stable dose of at least one mood stabilizer (lithium, valproate,carbamazepine, lamotrigine, second generation antipsychotics) for at least 4 weeks asper history;

  5. Antidepressants and/or additional mood stabilizers are allowed, but dose should bestable for at least 2 weeks;

Exclusion

Exclusion Criteria:

  1. Evidence of acute mania or hypomania (as measured by CARS-M > 7);

  2. Abnormal (outside of lab normal range) thyroid function tests;

  3. Current thyroid hormone treatment;

  4. Any medical condition considered a contraindication for treatment with T3 (i.e.history of myocardial infarction, cardiac arrhythmia, severe cardiac insufficiency,Autoimmune Thyroid Disease /Hashimoto's Thyroiditis as determined by anti-thyroidantibody testing, previous or current thyroid adenoma, hyperthyroidism);

  5. EKG showing rhythm other than sinus or repolarization phase abnormalities;

  6. Current alcohol or substance abuse or dependence in past month as per SCID;

  7. Score of 3 or more on the suicide item of the HAM-D;

  8. Females who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or of childbearing age and not using adequatebirth control.

Study Design

Total Participants: 11
Study Start date:
July 01, 2008
Estimated Completion Date:
July 31, 2012

Study Description

Bipolar affective disorder is a debilitating illness, and is characterized by depression episodes that dominates the longitudinal course and are most difficult to treat. Controlled trials with monotherapy mood stabilizers such as lithium and valproate show little to no efficacy and antidepressants may offer no additional efficacy. Recently there has been a growing interest in the use of quetiapine in bipolar depression. However, a successful treatment may take up to 8 weeks, and full remission is achieved in only 50% of patients. Thyroid hormone augmentation strategies have been used in unipolar depression with good results, but there is a paucity of its efficacy in bipolar depression (BD). To our knowledge there are no controlled studies regarding the efficacy of thyroid augmentation in BD. The present study proposes to evaluate the efficacy of T3 as an augmentation to treatment as usual in the treatment of BD. We plan to enroll patients with bipolar disorder I or II who are currently presenting with depressive symptoms. Patients will be randomized to 2 groups - liothyronine or placebo Results will provide information on the possible role of thyroid hormone augmentation in the treatment of patients with bipolar depression, and may contribute to alleviate the burden of this disabling condition.

Connect with a study center

  • The Zucker Hillside Hospital

    Glen Oaks, New York 11004
    United States

    Site Not Available

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