Resolving Early Life Stress: Psychotherapy Outcomes and Neurobiology in Complex Depression
Key facts
- Where
- Hamilton, CanadaSee the site
Could this be for you?
Answer for yourself. This is not a decision: only the study team can say whether you can take part.
- Are you between 18 and 65 years old?
Source: NCT07250893, who can take part
Where in Canada
- St. Joseph's Healthcare HamiltonHamilton, CanadaTaking people
Questions to ask the study team
- How often do I need to come in, and for how long each time?
- Are travel costs paid?
- Can I keep my own doctor?
- What happens if I want to stop?
Trial details
- Who runs it
- St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton
- Trial code
- NCT07250893
- Record updated
- 14 July 2026
- Original description
The RESPOND trial explores the link between early life adversity and later life depressive symptoms. The investigators have designed a new psychological therapy tailored to address the symptoms that can be caused by difficult experiences in early life. These symptoms include low mood, emotional dysregulation, and distressing thoughts and beliefs related to difficult or traumatic experiences. The investigators would like to see if this new therapy helps people feel better. The investigators are also studying the biological changes that can occur as a result of early life adversity, and how this therapy may influence those changes. To do this, the investigators ask questions about participants' physical and mental health and take blood samples.Read full original descriptionShow less
The RESPOND trial explores the link between early life adversity and later life depressive symptoms. The investigators have designed a new psychological therapy tailored to address the symptoms that can be caused by difficult experiences in early life. These symptoms include low mood, emotional dysregulation, and distressing thoughts and beliefs related to difficult or traumatic experiences. The investigators would like to see if this new therapy helps people feel better. The investigators are also studying the biological changes that can occur as a result of early life adversity, and how this therapy may influence those changes. To do this, the investigators ask questions about participants' physical and mental health and take blood samples.
Inclusion: Adults 18 years old or older; At or above 18 on HAM-D, indicative of moderate-severe depressive symptoms; Any childhood (before 18 years old) adversity as indicated by scores on the CECA q and ACES q.
Exclusion: Individuals who meet for PTSD diagnosis from a criterion A trauma occurring in adulthood without a history of ELA; Individuals with an active substance use disorder; Individuals experiencing active mania or psychosis; Individuals presenting with active suicide risk (plan, intention, means) indicative of a need for higher level care; Individuals in current psychotherapeutic treatment (defined as having engaged in consistent psychotherapy within the last 3 months).