NMDA Modulation in Antidepressant Nonresponders With Major Depressive Disorder
Most of the current antidepressants for major depressive disorder (MDD) are based upon the monoamine hypothesis which cannot fully explain the etiology of depression. NMDA hypofunction has been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. This study aims to examine the efficacy and safety of an NMDA enhancer (NMDAE) in the treatment of antidepressant nonresponders with MDD.
• Have a DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association) diagnosis of MDD
• Have failed to respond to at least one antidepressant with adequate dosage and treatment duration
• Their original treatments should have been unchanged for at least 8 weeks. Some treatment-resistant patients (that is, having failed to respond to at least two different classes of antidepressants) who have started to refuse any antidepressant by themselves due to previous failure experience are also allowed, if they have already been antidepressant-free for at least 2 weeks
• 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression total score ≥ 18
• Agree to participate in the study and provide informed consent