Depression

Depression

Author: Johan Nilsson

Symptoms of depression 

Depression is a mental illness characterized by persistent low mood, lack of energy, and reduced interest in activities that were previously considered meaningful. Common symptoms include sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, feelings of guilt, anxiety, changes in appetite, and in severe cases, suicidal thoughts. Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe, affecting both mental and physical well-being. According to the National Board of Health and Welfare, almost one-third of the population in Sweden experiences depression at some point in their lives. 

Diagnosis of depression 

A diagnosis of depression is made through a combination of clinical interviews and rating scales that measure the patient's symptoms, such as MADRS or PHQ-9. According to the diagnostic criteria, a certain number of specific symptoms must have been present for at least two weeks, with low mood, reduced interest, or decreased energy being two of them. The diagnosis is made by a doctor or psychologist, often within primary care or psychiatry. It is also always important to rule out that the patient's symptoms are due to a physical illness, which is part of the investigation. 

Current Treatment for Depression

Treatment for depression often involves several different components, depending on the patient’s preferences and previous response to treatment, as well as the severity of the depression. An important part of treatment is lifestyle changes and physical activity, as these have been shown to have an antidepressant effect. In addition, the most common interventions include psychological therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal therapy (IPT), or psychodynamic therapy, as well as antidepressant medications—primarily SSRIs and SNRIs—which affect neurotransmitters in the brain. For more severe depression, alternatives such as ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) or rTMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) may be considered if other treatments have not been sufficiently effective.

Why is it important to develop new treatments for depression?

Although many patients respond well to current treatments, a significant proportion suffer from treatment-resistant depression, meaning that multiple treatment attempts with various medications and forms of therapy have not led to improvement. In addition, side effects from antidepressants are common and can negatively impact quality of life. Nausea, weight changes, sleep disturbances, sexual problems, and dry mouth are examples of such side effects that cause many patients to discontinue their treatment. It can also take several weeks after starting treatment before the patient notices any improvement, and many may even experience a worsening of symptoms; during this time, the risk of anxiety and suicidal thoughts is elevated.

Psychological treatment is effective, but access is limited and wait times are long. In addition, there is still a stigma surrounding mental health issues, which causes many people to hesitate to seek help. Digital solutions such as apps and online therapy have shown promise, but require further research to ensure long-term effectiveness and safety. At the same time, promising research is underway on new substances such as ketamine and psilocybin, which have shown rapid effects in treating severe depression. These treatment methods may fill important gaps in care and offer hope to patients who do not respond to other types of treatment.

CTC's experience in depression research 

CTC has extensive experience in conducting clinical studies in the field of depression, both in collaboration with pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions. For example, CTC has participated in research projects on treatment-resistant depression, where psilocybin was tested in patients with severe depression who had not responded to other treatments. Another study is Study 194, a multicenter study conducted in Gothenburg and Uppsala, where patients with depression participate to try a new treatment that has shown a possible promising effect against depressive symptoms.  

Do you want to participate in studies at CTC?

When you register with our database, you will receive information about upcoming or ongoing studies that match your profile. Once you have expressed your interest in participating, our staff will contact you. Your participation is completely voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.