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Depression is common and can be disabling
The right treatment can make a difference
Depression affects everyone differently, which means the same treatment doesn't work for everyone. Many people try several medications or therapies before finding one that helps, making recovery longer and more frustrating.
Our research is working toward a future where treatment can be better matched to each individual from the very beginning. Some of our studies provide treatment, while others help us better understand depression so future care can become more personalized.
Why the DCRP?
Whether you're looking for treatment or interested in contributing to research, our team is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care while advancing our understanding of depression. Every study is designed to support participants and help improve treatment for future generations.
Our studies are led by Nova Scotia Health psychiatrists and supported by a dedicated team of research coordinators and mental health professionals who specialize in depression.
By participating, you're helping researchers better understand depression and develop more effective, personalized treatments for people living with depression in the future.
Our treatment studies use established, evidence-based therapies and medications that are already used in clinical practice.
Getting started is simple. You can contact us directly to learn more or complete an eligibility survey to see if one of our studies may be a good fit.
How does it work?
The Depression Clinical Research Program at Nova Scotia Health is recruiting participants for studies designed to answer important questions about which treatments for depression work best for whom.
Some projects at the DCRP provide treatment, while others are observational. Participants found to be eligible for a treatment study receive best-practice care for depression at no cost.
Some projects at the DCRP provide treatment, while others are observational.
Receive evidence-based depression treatment, such as gold-standard psychotherapy or antidepressant medication, aimed at improving your depression while helping us better understand which treatments work best for different individuals.
Contribute to research that advances our understanding of depression by participating in research that does not study treatment. These studies involve assessments, monitoring, and follow-up visits that help researchers develop better approaches to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of depression.
Our goal is to better understand why some treatments work well for certain individuals and not others, allowing us to better personalize treatment choices and improve outcomes.
Are you eligible?
Interested in participating in one of our research studies? The first step is to complete our confidential eligibility form.
The form takes just a few minutes to complete and helps us determine whether you may be a good fit for one of our current studies. A member of our research team will review your responses and contact you to discuss potential next steps.
Completing the form does not mean you are committing to participate.
Next steps
The next step is a pre-screening conversation, done over the phone with a DCRP team member. During the call, we will collect more information about your health history and symptoms to determine whether any of our studies are likely to be a good fit.
If you are found likely to be eligible after the pre-screening conversation and would like to proceed, you will be asked to come in for an in-person screening visit. This visit includes physical and mental assessments to confirm your eligibility.
Once your eligibility is confirmed, you will then be enrolled as a study participant.
Once you are enrolled you will begin the treatment phase of the study. You will receive your assigned evidence-based treatment while being closely supported by Nova Scotia Health psychiatrists and a specialized depression research team. Throughout the study, you'll attend regular appointments so we can monitor your progress and provide ongoing support.
You have the right to all information that can help you make an informed decision about whether or not you want to participate. There is never any obligation to join, and study participants are free to withdraw at any time.
OUR SPONSORS AND COLLABORATORS
The DCRP works with researchers at institutions across Canada at the forefront of mental health research. You can read more about some of our collaborators and sponsors and the work they do by clicking on the logos below.
The DCRP is made up of a team of psychiatrists, psychologists, researchers and staff who specialize in depression. We collaborate with other researchers and labs at Dalhousie and other institutions to answer questions related to depression in the field of mental health research.
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