New hormone treatment for depression

The Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc) at the Alfred Hospital is accepting volunteers to trial a new hormone treatment for depression as an outpatient.

What is the purpose of this research?

The aim of this research is to determine whether adding hormone therapy to SSRI medication can improve symptoms of depression for women who experience ongoing symptoms, despite treatment.

Who do we need to participate?

Women between 18-45 years, who have a diagnosis of Major Depression. Women must have a history of failed response to two antidepressants, one of these being an SSRI.

What does participation in this research involve?

Women will receive 1 or 2 active treatments (oxytocin and tibolone) or placebo (inactive), in addition to their daily SSRI for 8 weeks.   You will need to be able to attend The Alfred in Commercial Road Melbourne.

How will the information be used?

The results of this trial will be published in journal articles as well as disseminated at national and international conferences. 

Who to contact for further information

If you would like more information please contact Dr Charlotte Keating on (03) 9076 5180 or c.keating@alfred.org.au  Participation is confidential.

Organisation: Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc), Monash University Central Clinical School and the Alfred Hospital.  

This study has been approved by the Alfred Hospital Ethics Committee.

Researchers: Dr Charlotte Keating, Professor Jayashri Kulkarni, Professor Paul Fitzgerald