International study to predict optimized treatment - in depression

Almost everyone has been touched by depression at some point in their lives, either through experiencing it themselves or having someone close experience it. Depression is prevalent, with 8-12% of people worldwide suffering from it at any one time

• By the year 2020, depression will be the second biggest disease burden (after cardiovascular disease)
• However, no reliable tool yet exists to support clinical decisions.

The prescription of antidepressant medication, for example, can be difficult because there are no evidence-based guidelines to ensure that people receive the type of medication that they will respond best to.
 
iSPOT-D is the largest international study ever undertaken into Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) that aims to find objective biological markers to identify depression and treatment outcomes.

Our aim is to develop a tool that can be easily used by GPs and other health care professionals to ensure that those suffering from depression receive the right medication first go.

• Andrade L, Caraveo-Anduaga JJ, Berglund P, et al. The epidemiology of major depressive episodes: results from the International Consortium of Psychiatric Epidemiology (ICPE) Surveys. International journal of methods in psychiatric research. Jan 1 2003;12(1):3-21.
  
• Murray CJ, Lopez AD. Alternative projections of mortality and disability by cause 1990-2020: Global Burden of Disease Study. Lancet. May 24 1997;349(9064):1498-1504

Click for Aims of iSPOT-D

To find out if your suitable to pariticipate visit http://www.amidepressed.org.au/