Some say happiness is a choice, but those who suffer from depression know it is a debilitating illness that robs you of joy and pleasure. Mood swings, poor concentration, loss of sleep, lethargy, and sadness are some of the symptoms of depression people live with each day. While many suffering from depression seek treatment, some individuals are hesitant or ashamed to seek help. Others might think they are just suffering from “the blues,” not realizing how debilitating their illness has become to them and those around them.
CCRStudies in New London has been given the opportunity to improve the lives of those living with depression through a clinical research trial testing an investigational medication for the disease.
Recently, staff from CCRStudies attended a conference on this investigational medication in Chicago. Diane Palmer, RN, CCRC, and Site Administrator at CCRStudies said “A lot of anti-depressant medications are not effective. When dosages are increased, side effects are also increased.” The investigational medication being tested as part of the depression clinical trial is in a new class of drugs that work in conjunction with antidepressants. Currently, many antidepressant users are prescribed a higher dosage in order to reach the desired effect of their current medication. The investigational medicine ultimately works to halt the use of higher dosing, therefore decreasing the chances of burdensome side effects of some antidepressants.
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Carol Alexandrescu, a Clinical Research Coordinator for CCRStudies who also attended the conference notes, “We should all be concerned about depression. One out of two people will be diagnosed with mental illness at some point, and a major depression is a leading diagnosis. By 2020, depression is expected to be second only to cardiovascular disease in disease burden.”
CCRStudies will be looking for volunteers to participate in the clinical research trial for depression in the upcoming months. Study volunteers do not require medical insurance and reimbursement for time and travel is offered. Certified Clinicians Andrea Bartels APRN, Andrea Stewart APRN, and Diane Palmer RN, CCRC, will be conducting depression evaluations and screenings as part of the clinical trial process.
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To find out more about the depression study and how you may be eligible to participate, contact CCRStudies in New London at 860-443-4567, or e-mail marylou@ccrstudies.com.