Research Study on Depression Treatment

George Mason University is conducting a research study on a new approach to support the treatment of depression. The study uses a computer system that evaluates data from more than 3 million patients to provide personalized, research-based information about treatment options. These options may include medication and non-medication treatments, such as psychotherapy and other supportive approaches.

This is a research study, not a medical service. Participation in this study is free. You will not receive a prescription. Any suggestions from this study should be shared with your medical provider.

What This Study Is About

This study tests whether this computer system can help people understand treatment options for depression, including both medication and non-medication treatments. The system uses data from more than 3 million patients and 10 million antidepressant treatments. In past studies, patients did better when their treatment matched the system’s suggestions compared with usual prescribing patterns. However, these results have not yet been tested in a new group of patients. That is what this study aims to test. You will also be asked to compare your experience using the AI system with your own experiences visiting your own clinician.

How It Works For You

You will receive through this online system personalized, research-based information about depression treatment options that may include medication and non-medication approaches. Share this information with your medical provider. If you do not have a medical provider or therapist, the study team can try to help connect you to one.

Medical History Intake

We will first begin by verifying your eligibility for the study. If you meet the criteria, you will be directed to the consent form and we will obtain your consent to participate. Once that is completed, you will be directed to the chat page where you will interact with the AI system.

The online system will ask about your depression symptoms, medical history, treatments you have previously tried, current medications, counseling or psychotherapy experiences, and relevant medical conditions.

Advice and Referral

The online system will provide data-driven information collected about depression treatment options, including medication and non-medication approaches that may be relevant to you. If you do not have a mental health clinician involved in your care, we can try to refer you to participating clinicians near you.

Information Privacy

Your information is kept confidential and secure. It will not be shared with anyone outside the study team without your consent.

Need More Information?

If you would like to learn more about the study, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for detailed answers.

Medical Disclaimer

The online system does not provide medical care, make diagnoses, or prescribe treatment. It provides research-based information about depression treatment options, including medication and non-medication approaches. Please share this information provided by the online system with your clinician before making any treatment decisions. If you do not have a clinician, we can try to refer you to one.

Advice Limitations

The treatment information provided on this online system is intended for major depressive disorder and not bipolar depression. The medication comparisons made by this system are limited to the 15 commonly used oral antidepressant medications. The system may also provide information about relevant non-medication treatments, but all options provided to you should be reviewed with your healthcare provider to see if they are optimal for you.

Delayed & Monitored Advice

All medication and non-medication treatment information generated by this online system will be reviewed by project staff to ensure safety and appropriateness. This review may result in a delay before the information is released to you. Once approved, the recommendations will be shared with you as a PDF summary. At the time of release, project staff will also arrange for the information to be sent to your healthcare provider, with your permission, to assist clinical review and decision-making. We aim to provide your recommendation within 24 hours.

Sign Up for the Study

The online system will first verify your eligibility and contact information before you can interact further with the AI system. If you are eligible, you will be directed to the consent form available on the system. Most participants complete the AI interaction within approximately 30 minutes; however, please allow up to 90 minutes, as completion time may vary depending on the level of complexity of your symptoms and medical history. During the intake interview, we will ask about your depression symptoms, previous medication and non-medication treatments, current medications, and relevant medical conditions. After the interview is completed and reviewed by the study team, we aim to provide personalized, research-based information on the online system about depression treatment options within 24 hours. These options may include medication and non-medication treatments.

Important: The study team is not a crisis center or crisis service. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988, or go to your nearest emergency room.

Research Study on Depression Treatment

What This Study Is About

How It Works For You

Medical History Intake

Advice and Referral

Information Privacy

Need More Information?

Medical Disclaimer

Advice Limitations

Delayed & Monitored Advice

Sign Up for the Study

Published Studies

Effectiveness of common antidepressants: a post market release study

Artificial Intelligence for Management of Major Depression: Initial Design, Progress, and Research Plans

Effectiveness of Antidepressants in Combination with Psychotherapy