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Study identifier: NCT06675851 Synced from ClinicalTrials.gov · July 29, 2026
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Reward-specific Changes of the Chemical Messenger Dopamine in the Brain of Healthy and Depressed People

Condition: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)  ·  Sponsor: Medical University of Vienna

PhasePhase 4
Planned participants120
Who can joinAll sexes, 18 Years to 65 Years
Healthy volunteersYes

About this study

Major depressive disorder was shown to be associated with pathological alterations within neurotransmitter systems of the brain. Based on earlier study results, it is assumed that the neurotransmitter dopamine is relevant for several symptoms of depression, e.g., loss of interest or pleasure and lack of motivation. Thus, it is assumed that the synthesis of dopamine in the brain of depressed individuals could be impaired. The specific effect of common antidepressants on the human reward system in depression has not yet been sufficiently investigated. In particular, it is unclear whether depressed patients exhibit reward-specific changes of dopamine synthesis, and whether or not these changes can be differentially affected by diverse types of antidepressants. Neurotransmitter systems can be visualized in the brain using positron emission tomography (PET). Additionally, brain structure and function can be studied using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). For the visualization of dopamine synthesis in the brain, the radioligand \[18F\]FDOPA can be used in PET measurements. To assess task-relevant changes of diverse radioligands and thus specific metabolic processes in the brain during specific tasks, a recently developed PET-approach can be used which has already been successfully applied in a pilot study with healthy volunteers. In the present project, 60 depressed subjects and 30 healthy controls will undergo PET/MR-imaging twice. Depressed subjects will be assigned to 1 of 2 tre…

This description comes directly from the study's public registry record.

Talk to the study team

Rupert Lanzenberger, Univ.-Prof. Priv.-Doz. Dr.  ·  +43 1 40400 35760  ·  rupert.lanzenberger@meduniwien.ac.at

Patricia Anna Handschuh, Dr.med.univ., BA  ·  patricia.handschuh@meduniwien.ac.at

Always discuss trial participation with your own doctor first.

Locations (1)

Medical University of ViennaVienna, AustriaRecruiting

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Source record: clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06675851