Region to host trial of drug to cut bouts of depression

Researchers from Leeds, Newcastle and Manchester universities have joined forces in the study of the drug Metyrapone, which inhibits the production of steroids in the body.

Evidence suggests steroids, such as cortisol, could hamper the effectiveness of antidepressant drugs.

Depression has long been linked with increased amounts of stress, leaving many who suffer from it producing too much cortisol, which could reduce the effectiveness of drug treatments. If the study proves successful, it could improve the impact of antidepressant medication.

Researchers are looking for 50 people with the condition from West Yorkshire for the trial. They will be given the drug or a placebo for three weeks to examine the effects.

Consultant psychiatrist Tom Hughes, who is running the project at Leeds University, said: “Depression is not really a mental health problem, it is a health problem.

“If it was just a mental health problem it would not cause changes in such things as energy level, appetite, weight and sleep.

“Further, one of the body’s natural responses to stress is to produce more of the hormone cortisol. Many people with depression have abnormally high levels of cortisol.

“This may mean they do not respond as well to antidepressant drugs. Metyrapone works by reducing the production of this hormone.

“We want to find out whether adding Metyrapone to a patient’s usual antidepressant treatment makes that treatment more effective. A smaller study in people in Germany found Metyrapone was effective and we want to test this in a bigger study.”

One 50-year-old woman who has already signed up for the trial said she had suffered depression for the last decade.

Beforehand she worked as a tailor, had a good social life and was able to do things for herself. But having depression had affected almost every aspect of her life including her relationships with others and she had not been able to work.

“I used to be active, enjoyed listening to music, went for walks and to nightclubs but now I don’t bother,” she said.

“Now I have not got the energy to do anything because of the illness. I have lost my self-esteem and confidence. The future looks dim and life is not worth living. I look at other people and wish I had a life like them instead of being moody, suicidal and sad all the time.”

She said the illness had also affected her in other ways.

“I am tired all the time, I have headaches, muscular pains, am not able to eat or enjoy what I eat, my sleep is all over the place and I have gained weight,” she said.

She has tried different antidepressants but not found them effective. “I am taking part in this trial in order to hopefully get better,” she added.