Try behavioral therapy or medication to treat depression alongside kidney disease

Recruiting

What is this trial?

This study is testing whether two different ways of treating depression work well in people with moderate to advanced kidney disease. One approach uses behavioral activation therapy (a type of talk therapy that helps you gradually return to activities), and the other uses a medication called . If symptoms don't improve after 8 weeks, patients may receive a combination of both treatments.

Many people with kidney disease experience depression, but we don't know the best way to treat it in this group. The medication may affect kidney function differently than in people with healthy kidneys, and this study aims to find safe and effective treatment options.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are 18 years old or older
you have been diagnosed with stage 3b, 4, or 5 chronic kidney disease (based on blood tests showing reduced kidney function for at least 3 months)
you currently have major depressive disorder confirmed by a healthcare provider
you have moderate to severe depression symptoms confirmed by screening questionnaires at the start of the study
you are willing and able to understand the study and sign an informed consent form

You likely don't qualify if…

you have significant liver disease or very high liver enzyme levels
you are currently taking antidepressant medications for depression
you have a history of seizures or bipolar disorder
you have active suicidal thoughts or have tried to harm yourself recently
you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or unwilling to use birth control during the study

What participation looks like

You will be randomly assigned to one of three groups for 16 weeks. One group receives behavioral therapy (sessions focused on gradually returning to activities you enjoy) plus a placebo pill for the first 8 weeks, then the medication is added if needed. Another group receives the medication plus supportive counseling for the first 8 weeks, then behavioral therapy is added if needed. The control group receives supportive counseling and a placebo pill throughout. You can participate either in-person or remotely via the internet, and you will be asked to complete depression rating questionnaires and other assessments during the study.

Testing Two Approaches to Treat Depression in People With Kidney Disease

What is this trial?

Do you qualify?

What participation looks like

Trial locations(4 sites)