Study Description and Background

Major depressive disorder (MDD) remains a leading cause of disability in the United States, and among the Veteran population. The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram are commonly prescribed to treat MDD.

However, a significant proportion of individuals with MDD do not respond, or experience only a partial response, when treated with SSRIs. Therefore, there is a need for novel approaches to SSRI-resistant MDD that are effective and well-tolerated.

Based on the results of prior clinical trials, the research team is conducting a study to learn if the nutritional supplement Creatine is an effective adjunctive (i.e. add-on) treatment for SSRI-resistant Major Depression.

Veterans with significant depression symptoms despite an adequate trial of an SSRI are invited to participate in this research study. The study lasts a total of 10 weeks, during which the participants will take 5 grams of creatine daily for 8 weeks. Participants will undergo brain scans and have their blood drawn at the beginning & end of the study.

The study brochure can be downloaded here