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Professor to share depression study findings at Aware event

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Courtesy of Dr. Richard Shelton.

Birmingham is today at the forefront of depression and suicide research thanks to a UAB study led by Dr. Richard Shelton, director of the Mood Disorders Research Program. Shelton, working in conjunction with neurobiology professor Yogesh Dwivedi, hopes to develop a blood test to measure a patient’s risk for depression and suicide. 

On Tuesday, April 26, Shelton, who joined the faculty of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology at UAB in 2012, will share what he’s learned in the field as well as more details of his study during an Aware community event scheduled for 6 p.m. at the Crestline Elementary School field. 

“This is all very neat and exciting,” said Shelton. “Our research is on the cutting edge of where we are in the field. Right now, we are the only ones in the world conducting a study like this.”

Rather than treat a patient after being diagnosed with depression or as suicidal, said Shelton, the blood test would be used as part of preventative measures to assess risks and treat patients preemptively. 

The study has two components, said Shelton. Using a total of 240 participants, the study will work to detect biomarkers in the bloodstream that would signal risk levels for suicide and depression. The study will also test a hallucinogenic drug, ketamine, in the treatment of depression. 

Preemptive care is a major trend in the medical field, said Shelton. Much like doctors are working to keep people from developing Alzheimer’s, Shelton’s study would help doctors develop depression and or suicidal preventative treatment plans for their at-risk patients. 

“Our ideal scenario is that eventually, this blood test will be set up seamlessly in the background of a routine visit to the doctor’s office,” said Shelton. “Screening for depression and suicide risks would be part of a standard blood test.”

If a doctor interprets elevated risk levels, said Shelton, patients and parents would have the choice of whether to enter into preventative treatment. 

“The test would be probabilistic,” said Shelton, “all based on the likelihood of something happening.”

Shelton likened the test to those used to screen for cancer risks in patients.

“If we can tell mom or dad that they can intervene now to help save their child’s life,” said Shelton, “we don’t anticipate many people turning that down. Instead of talking about how to treat a potentially fatal disease, we can talk about how to prevent it.” 

The ketamine component of the study, said Shelton, will help doctors bring severely depressed or suicidal patients out of the danger zone more quickly. Unlike most of the anti-depressants currently prescribed, which can take extended periods to work, ketamine can improve a patient’s mood within minutes, said Shelton.

“At low doses it takes about 80 percent of people from depressed to nearly cured within 24 hours,” he said. “It’s quite remarkable to watch. Traditional depression treatments can take weeks or months to work. Ketamine can work in about a day.”

The research team is working to bring the product to the market, said Shelton. 

In treating suicidal patients, said Shelton, ketamine can help drop suicide scores within an hour. The treatment, he said, can be given to people who come into a hospital with suicidal thoughts. 

The study will continue for another four years, said Shelton. Interested participants can call 934-2484 or email psychresearch@uab.edu. 

Having information, Shelton believes, is better than not having it, which is why he will share what he knows with Aware. 

Shelton said he will talk about the importance of intervening in the case someone may be suicidal.

“The biggest problem with suicide is that usually, the first time you hear about the problem is after the person has already gone through with it,” said Shelton. “A person’s first suicide attempt is usually the most successful. You don’t have a second chance to intervene.”

Most people who commit suicide, three out of four said Shelton, are not currently in treatment. The broad majority had never been in treatment or had discontinued treatment. 

Shelton said he will also share his concerns about the importance of ensuring depressed patients receive highly competent care. Only about half of all depressed people are currently in treatment, he said. It is crucial that those in treatment go back to their doctor or seek a second opinion if they are not getting better. 

“When in doubt, do,” said Shelton. “Don’t wait. Every day that is lost, the person is still at risk.”

Aware community event

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