Memory Enhancement by Gamma-hydroxybutyrate vs. Trazodone in Major Depressive Disorder.

Memory Enhancement by Gamma-hydroxybutyrate vs. Trazodone in Major Depressive Disorder.

30 healthy adults and 30 patients with major depressive disorder, will take part in three single-application pharmacological interventions (GHB vs. Trazodone vs. placebo p.o.) to test potential effects of these drugs on nocturnal memory consolidation. All participants will be assessed with mood state questionnaires, tests of emotional, procedural and declarative memory consolidation, polysomnography, EEG and neuroinflammatory biomarkers. At experimental nights, learning tasks are performed prior to sleep. The next morning, recalling tasks are performed. Each subject will pass through 5 study nights (1 screening, 1 adaptation and 3 experimental nights).

Arm 1 (healthy controls):

• Healthy participants,
• Non-smoker,
• Age 20-65 years

Arm 2 (patients with depression):

• Diagnosis of major depression (DSM-V),
• Selective Serotonin-Reuptake-Inhibitor (SSRI) or Selective Serotonin-Noradrenalin-Reuptake-Inhibitor (SSNRI) medication,
• Age 20-65 years