Charles R. Drew University of Medicine

Program on Ethnicity, Health &
Behavior

Researchers to evaluate the different responses of African Americans & Caucasians to a medication for depression. 120 African Americans and Caucasian adults with depression are needed to participate in a study at the Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science. This innovative study is exploring ethnic differences in response to a medication for depression.

The study is funded by the NIH/National Institute of Mental Health and will evaluate what factors influence how depressed African American and Caucasian adults respond to the antidepressant medication called Celexa. Celexa is an antidepressant medication known to help improve a person’s mood. Additionally this study will look at what background, clinical and cultural factors are associated with differences in how well this medication works to improve depression.

According to Trudi Butts, R.N., the study’s nurse coordinator, the Drew study provides participants with many health benefits – all free of cost. These include free medical exams, free medication and compensation up to $320.00. All participants will befor the study. Interested persons must be either African American or Caucasian, at least 18 years of age and depressed. If interested, please call the study office at (323) 563-4979. All personal information will be held in strict confidence.