Stony Brook University
In the brain, certain nerve cells communicate using a chemical called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine is thought to be important for several functions including mood, memory and wakefulness. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of these nerve cells in depression. Also, we would like to understand how nicotine, the study drug, works in depression and how it affects these nerve cells. To do this, brain imaging will be used before and after this treatment.
Inclusion Criteria: For Non-Depressed Participants: * Age range 18 to 65 years old. * Capacity to consent (able to read, understand, and sign informed consent). For Participants with MDD * Age range 18 to 65 years old. * Capacity to consent (able to read, understand, and sign informed consent). * Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) as primary diagnosis and currently in a major depressive episode * Score of at least 29 on the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS). Exclusion Criteria: For Non-Depressed Participants: * Nicotine use, including tobacco, e-cigarettes, nicotine patch,…
The participants with MDD will receive Nicorette NicoDerm CQ nicotine transdermal patches for 8 days (7 mg/day for days 1-2, 14 mg/day for days 3-4, and 21 mg/day for days 5-8).
All participants will undergo a PET scan at Baseline using tracer \[18F\] VAT. Participants with MDD will undergo a second post-treatment PET scan using tracer \[18F\] VAT.
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