Ignite Creation Date:
2025-12-24 @ 5:49 PM
Ignite Modification Date:
2026-02-25 @ 5:52 PM
Study NCT ID:
NCT00770068
Status:
COMPLETED
Last Update Posted:
2019-11-21
First Post:
2008-10-08
Is Gene Therapy:
True
Has Adverse Events:
False
Brief Title:
Examining the Link Between Depression and Seasonal Allergies
Sponsor:
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Organization:
Study Overview
Official Title:
Seasonality of Depression and Airborne Allergens
Status:
COMPLETED
Status Verified Date:
2019-11
Last Known Status:
None
Delayed Posting:
No
If Stopped, Why?:
Not Stopped
Has Expanded Access:
False
If Expanded Access, NCT#:
N/A
Has Expanded Access, NCT# Status:
N/A
Acronym:
None
Brief Summary:
This study will examine whether spring and fall seasonal depression in individuals with high sensitivity to pollen is linked to seasonal increases in tree and ragweed pollen.
Detailed Description:
Those who suffer from depression have their normal lives interrupted by symptoms such as persistent sad thoughts, inability to feel pleasure, and potential suicide. Suicide and depression peak in the spring and fall. Worsening of depression, admission to a hospital for depression and bipolar depression, and use of electroconvulsive therapy for treatment of depression all peak in the spring. Although seasonal affective disorder (SAD), in which depression corresponds with seasonal changes, is commonly associated with the winter subtype, SAD is actually more prevalent as the spring subtype.
Allergies, which also peak in the spring and fall, have been linked to depression. Allergic reactions release cytokines, which are proteins that mediate the immune system response when a foreign substance enters the body. Previous studies have found both that an increase in cytokines in otherwise healthy individuals causes depressive symptoms and that cytokines cause the chemical tryptophan (TRP) to switch from producing serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of well-being, to producing kynurenine (KYN), a potentially toxic chemical. To determine whether and to what extent allergies are linked to depression, this study will compare depression levels of participants with and without allergies before and during peak times for seasonal allergies. Results from this study may be used in further research to examine the effects of allergy prevention on depression.
Participants in this study will meet with researchers three times. At the first visit, they will be screened for allergies and give their demographic information. The timing of the second and third visits will depend on each participant's allergies. Those with spring allergies will be tested before and then during the spring allergy season. Those with fall allergies or with no allergies will be tested before and then during the fall allergy season. On the second and third visits questionnaires and clinical interviews will assess depression symptoms, and blood tests will be performed to measure chemical levels of cytokines, TRP, and KYN. During these visits participants will also be asked to complete a sleep log for 1 week. This will entail describing their sleep, activity, caffeine consumption, alcohol consumption, and use of sleep medications. A subgroup will wear an Actiwatch device, which electronically monitors sleep and wakefulness cycles, for 1 week, 24 hours a day.
Allergies, which also peak in the spring and fall, have been linked to depression. Allergic reactions release cytokines, which are proteins that mediate the immune system response when a foreign substance enters the body. Previous studies have found both that an increase in cytokines in otherwise healthy individuals causes depressive symptoms and that cytokines cause the chemical tryptophan (TRP) to switch from producing serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with feelings of well-being, to producing kynurenine (KYN), a potentially toxic chemical. To determine whether and to what extent allergies are linked to depression, this study will compare depression levels of participants with and without allergies before and during peak times for seasonal allergies. Results from this study may be used in further research to examine the effects of allergy prevention on depression.
Participants in this study will meet with researchers three times. At the first visit, they will be screened for allergies and give their demographic information. The timing of the second and third visits will depend on each participant's allergies. Those with spring allergies will be tested before and then during the spring allergy season. Those with fall allergies or with no allergies will be tested before and then during the fall allergy season. On the second and third visits questionnaires and clinical interviews will assess depression symptoms, and blood tests will be performed to measure chemical levels of cytokines, TRP, and KYN. During these visits participants will also be asked to complete a sleep log for 1 week. This will entail describing their sleep, activity, caffeine consumption, alcohol consumption, and use of sleep medications. A subgroup will wear an Actiwatch device, which electronically monitors sleep and wakefulness cycles, for 1 week, 24 hours a day.
Study Oversight
Has Oversight DMC:
True
Is a FDA Regulated Drug?:
None
Is a FDA Regulated Device?:
None
Is an Unapproved Device?:
None
Is a PPSD?:
None
Is a US Export?:
None
Is an FDA AA801 Violation?:
Secondary ID Infos
| Secondary ID | Type | Domain | Link | View |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R21MH075891 | NIH | None | https://reporter.nih.gov/quic… | View |
| H26191 | None | None | View | |
| DATR A2-AID | None | None | View |