🏛️ Verified NIH Record • Updated 2026-07-13

Resolving Early Life Stress: Psychotherapy Outcomes and Neurobiology in Complex Depression (NCT07250893)

🟢 Recruiting Observational / Diagnostic 📋 Clinical Research Protocol Sponsor: St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton

🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)

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.

Who can join: To join this study, participants generally need to meet the listed inclusion criteria (3 items) and avoid the listed exclusions (6 items).

Location: St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton — Hamilton, Ontario

Age range: 18 Years to 65 Years

🧪 Interventions in This Study

  • Psychotherapy (OTHER)

📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener

Instant Checklist

Check every box below. If you can check all of them, you may meet the study's basic screening requirements (final eligibility is confirmed by the site team).

Usually NOT eligible if any of the following apply:

  • Exclusion Criteria:
  • Individuals who meet for PTSD diagnosis from a criterion A trauma occurring in adulthood without a history of ELA
  • Individuals experiencing active mania or psychosis
  • Individuals with an active substance use disorder
  • 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)

🔍 Extracted verbatim from the official NIH eligibility criteria. Always confirm with the study coordinator.

📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)

  • St. Joseph's Healthcare Hamilton — Hamilton, Ontario

📞 Contact the Study Coordinator

Phone: (905) 522-1155

Email: dikaiosk@mcmaster.ca

Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.

💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights

  • 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
  • Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
  • Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.

💡 How to Participate

  1. Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
  2. Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
  3. Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
  4. Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.
🏛️ View Official NIH Record ↗