The Taste Mood Diagnostic Study BRSv2
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Using a diagnostic taste test as a surrogate biomarker to predict drug effectiveness in patients with depression (MDD).
IRAS ID
286188
Contact name
David S K Adams
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Ranvier Health Ltd
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 6 months, 1 days
Research summary
Research shows a clear link between taste sensitivity and depression. This relates to chemistry shared by the tongue and the brain.
Our aim is to recruit participants with newly diagnosed major depressive disorder to test the hypothesis that improvement in taste acuity seen within hours of taking a first antidepressant occurs in depressed participants likely to respond to pharmaceutical treatment. We wish to establish what degree of taste threshold change indicates a likely diagnosis of depression so we can generate a diagnostic algorithm and develop a device to aid diagnosis of depression.
The taste test uses different concentrations of common food flavour solutions, such as sweet, salt, bitter and sour presented in pseudo-random order guided by a taste-testing algorithm. The antidepressant prescribed in the normal way by the patient's GP is used to assess changes in taste sensitivity before and 2-3 hours after ingestion. Validated questionnaires are used to assess mood before antidepressant treatment is begun and following a month of treatment.
The planned work consists of two paired studies:
1. A study using the patient's prescribed antidepressant as a probe, with the objective of testing our hypothesis and generating a robust diagnostic algorithm.
2. An ancillary study, with the first 30 depressed participants, to validate coding of a testing algorithm on a tablet. The algorithm guides the sequential presentation of taste solutions. These first participants will be tested first by use of the testing algorithm as described by a flow chart presented on paper, and then by use of the coded algorithm presented on a tablet.
Across each of these studies, patients will be followed up with repeat questionnaires after 4-6 weeks of treatment and an optional further taste test. Patients will be asked to complete a feedback questionnaire about their user experience and satisfaction with treatment.REC name
Yorkshire & The Humber - South Yorkshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
21/YH/0051
Date of REC Opinion
27 Apr 2021
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion