The international Study to Predict Optimized Treatment in Depression (iSPOT-D): outcomes from the acute phase of antidepressant treatment.

We aimed to characterize a large international cohort of outpatients with MDD within a practical trial design, in order to identify clinically useful predictors of outcomes with three common antidepressant medications in acute-phase treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The international Study to Predict Optimized Treatment in Depression has presently enrolled 1008 treatment-seeking outpatients (18-65 years old) at 17 sites (five countries). At pre-treatment, we characterized participants by symptoms, clinical history, functional status and comorbidity.

Quantification of adverse events associated with functional MRI scanning and with real-time fMRI-based training.

Background: Although functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is in widespread research use, the safety of this approach has not been extensively quantitatively evaluated. Real-time fMRI (rtfMRI)-based training paradigms use fMRI neurofeedback and cognitive strategies to alter regional brain activation, and are currently being evaluated as a novel approach to treat neurological and psychiatric conditions.

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence and severity of any adverse events that might be caused by changes in brain activation brought about through fMRI or through rtfMRI-based training paradigms.

Donepezil improves episodic memory in young individuals vulnerable to the effects of sleep deprivation.

Study Objectives: We investigated if donepezil, a long-acting orally administered cholinesterase inhibitor, would reduce episodic memory deficits associated with 24 h of sleep deprivation.

Design: Double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study involving 7 laboratory visits over 2 months. Participants underwent 4 functional MRI scans; 2 sessions (donepezil or placebo) followed a normal night's sleep, and 2 sessions followed a night of sleep deprivation.