The PREDICT Study - Preventing Depression

 

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PREVENTING DEPRESSION: INVESTIGATION IN COHORTS OF ITS ETIOLOGY AND TRAJECTORY - THE PREDICT STUDY​

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Globally, depression impacts 4% of the population annually, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic with an additional 53 million cases. In Singapore, the lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) is 6.3%, with mental disorders contributing to 10% of disability adjusted life years (DALYs). The long-term trajectory and outcomes of depression in Singapore remain under-researched due to focus on cross-sectional studies.

CURRENT STUDY:

A new collaborative study by the Institute of Mental Health (IMH), National Healthcare Group Polyclinics (NHGP), Lee Kong Chian Medical School, NUS-DUKE Medical School, Usher Institute, and NESDA Cohort Study aims to establish a five-year cohort to comprehensively understand depressive disorders in Singapore. This study will assess determinants, disease progression, outcomes. It will explore bio-psycho-social paradigms and evaluate the impact of depression across various settings and age groups.

Additionally, the study will focus on subsyndromal depression (SSD), characterized by significant depressive symptoms that do not meet MDD criteria. SSD is a strong risk factor for MDD and impacts quality of life. By understanding SSD's prevalence and progression, the study aims to develop preventive interventions.​

PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR:

Assoc. Prof Mythily Subramaniam, Institute of Mental Health

WHO ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

This cohort study aims to recruit the following groups:

• ​Individuals with SSD, meaning those with subthreshold symptoms of depression that do not meet the diagnostic criteria for MDD.
• Those who have been diagnosed with clinical depression within the past one year.
• Those with a history of being diagnosed with depression for one year or more.
• A control group consisting of individuals without a history of psychiatric illness or SD.

The study will recruit up to 3800 participants in total over a period of six years who will be followed-up for up to five years.

AM I ELIGIBLE?

To be included in the study, individuals have to be

• ​Aged 18 years and above,
• ​With the capacity to give written informed consent,
• Willing to participate in follow-up assessments,
• Able to converse in English, Chinese, Malay, or Tamil.

WHAT DOES THE STUDY INVOLVE?

This interviewer administered interview will collect data on

• ​Sociodemographic information (e.g. age, gender, ethnicity, marital status, educational level, occupational status, etc),
• Mental health assessments such as depression, anxiety problematic substance use, and psychosocial risk and protective factors.
• In addition, other information such as personality, service use, family history of depressive disorder as well as quality of life will also be collected.
  
• All data will be collected using an online platform.
• Physical health assessments such as height and weight, blood pressure measurement and grip strength, will be measured during the follow-up visits.

If you are willing, additionally

• ​Your blood will be drawn by a certified research coordinator. The coordinator will take a sample of approximately 30 millilitres (or 6 teaspoons) of fasting blood from you at baseline. Tests will be conducted to assess your metabolic status (e.g. blood sugar and lipid assessment).
• The study will also assess some blood biomarkers which may have an effect on the brain. In the second and fourth year of follow-up, approximately 10 millilitres (or 2 teaspoons) of fasting blood will be collected. Similar blood tests will be conducted and the same process followed as detailed for baseline.
• A small sample of hair will also be collected for longitudinal cumulative cortisol assay (to test impact of stressors). This will be done at baseline and every follow up year.
  

VIEW RECRUITMENT FLYER HERE ​
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FOR MORE INFORMATION INQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT (9am to 5pm​, Monday to Friday):