PANDA
The aim of the PANDA randomised controlled trial is to investigate the severity and duration of depressive symptoms that are associated with a clinically important response to SSRI antidepressants.
The PANDA trial
The aim of the PANDA randomised controlled trial is to investigate the severity and duration of depressive symptoms that are associated with a clinically important response to SSRI antidepressants in people with depression. We will carry out a randomised controlled trial comparing sertraline to placebo in individuals with depression whom the patient and their GP are unsure whether an SSRI is indicated.
Why is the research important?
Each year, millions of people visit their General Practitioner (GP) with depression and are given medication called antidepressants. However, doctors are still not certain when some people with depression might benefit from antidepressants or whether they would get better without. So there is a concern that some people might be prescribed antidepressants when it is not really necessary. We want to test the hypothesis that the severity and duration of depressive symptoms predict the response to antidepressants. If this is confirmed it could then be used to generate much more specific guidance about when antidepressants are likely to be of benefit
Contact us
If you would like to find out more about the study, please contact Mrs Larisa Duffy, PANDA trial programme manager, 020 7679 9282 or larisa.duffy@ucl.ac.uk
UCL Division of Psychiatry
6th Floor, Maple House
149 Tottenham Court Road
London W1T 7NF