A Neuroimaging and Epigenetic Investigation of Antidepressants in Depression

A Neuroimaging and Epigenetic Investigation of Antidepressants in Depression

The purpose of this study is:

1. to find out the structural or functional effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) in major depressive disorder (MDD);
2. find special abnormalities in depression secondary to other disease, e.g., autoimmune disease like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
3. find the relationship between the efficacy of antidepressant and the change of neuroimaging in MDD
4. to find possible predispose to MDD
5. to explore the DNA methylation status in depression;

1. to explore the pathology of depression
2. to identify the difference between MDD and depression secondary to other disease ,especially autoimmune disease
3. to explore the effect of gene-environment interaction on the epigenetic regulation of the depression

Inclusion Criteria:

• DSM-IV Major Depression or Dysthymia
• Age 18-65
• Physically healthy
• Drug-free

Exclusion Criteria:

• Body metal (e.g., wire stitches, screws in bones, stainless steel hips)
• History of Psychosis or Epilepsy
• Current (past six months) Substance Use Disorder (illicit drugs and/or alcohol)
• Bipolar I
• Need for wash-out from effective treatment in order to participate
• Pregnant
• High suicide risk
• Currently taking (within 2 weeks; 4 weeks for Fluoxetine) antidepressants