When you receive a diagnosis like major depressive disorder (MDD), it’s important to understand that there is no “one size fits all” approach to any diagnosis. The experience of MDD can vary greatly from person to person. According to the Mayo Clinic, Major Depressive Disorder (MDD), known as clinical depression, is a common mental health disorder in the U.S. It affects individuals’ emotional, physical, and social well-being, often leading to reduced quality of life. Recent research shows that adults in the Black community are 20 percent more likely to have severe mental health issues, such as major depressive disorder (MDD). This is influenced by a variety of factors, including cultural stigma, limited access to mental health care, and historical disparities in treatment. As a result, many individuals in the Black community may face issues with receiving timely and effective care, leading to ongoing untreated or undiagnosed mental health disorders.
Due to this growing concern, Sooma Medical, in collaboration with Lindus Health, is launching a clinical trial to test the safety and efficacy of Sooma 2GEN, a home-based transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) device designed to treat MDD. This device uses a non-invasive way to give low-level electrical currents to the brain, potentially providing a breakthrough for those who are resistant to treatment for MDD.
The Impact of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) on Black Americans
Major depressive disorder affects people of all racial and ethnic backgrounds, but Black Americans face a special challenge when it comes to both the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder. Research shows that Black Americans are less likely to receive a diagnosis of depression compared to their white counterparts, often due to cultural stigma, underreporting, and a tendency to show outward symptoms. As a result, depression among Black individuals may go untreated or misdiagnosed.
This has been an ongoing issue in the Black community, and with the introduction of a non-invasive, easy-to-use, home-based device like Sooma 2GEN, Black people could experience transformative effects after utilizing this device. This device will offer treatment options that can bypass many barriers Black Americans face, such as limited access to medical appointments, mental health professionals and affordability.
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Dr. Luke Twelves, General Practitioner and Vice President of Medical at Lindus Health shared, “From trial design onward, ensuring the effective recruitment of truly representative populations has been central to our approach. There are some soft (but still very important) considerations, such as we have a multi-ethnic research team, and we have deliberately targeted recruitment areas for the trial within communities that will enable us to recruit representative numbers from ethnic minority groups.” He added, “Race is captured and monitored as part of the trial data, allowing us to adapt recruitment strategies in real time. Our in-house recruitment team ensures rapid and effective responses to live trial data metrics. The need for true representation—including adequate participation from Black communities—was a key driver behind our decentralized trial design.”
“Treatment-Resistant” Patients May Benefit From This Clinical Trial
The clinical trial will focus on individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) who are considered “treatment-resistant.” These patients have either had difficulty responding to conventional antidepressants or experienced intolerable side effects from the medication. The target population is broad, as MDD affects millions of individuals across various demographic groups. However, patients with a history of poor response to medication are the primary candidates for this trial, especially those who may not have access to advanced therapies or those in underserved communities. Dr. Twelves stated, “Given documented differences in medication metabolism and side effect profiles across racial groups, non-pharmacological approaches may offer more consistent effectiveness for Black Americans.”
Sooma 2GEn Devices Could Be The Future of Inclusive Treatment
This clinical trial is a promising step forward in the treatment of this mental health disorder. Dr. Twelves explained, “Many past MDD trials have included criteria that inadvertently disadvantage Black patients, such as hospital admission requirements, which vary significantly across racial groups. We have carefully designed our inclusion and exclusion criteria to promote equal access.”
The potential that the clinical trial will offer allows for an accessible, effective, and non-invasive solution to treatment-resistant depression could provide significant benefits. Particularly for underserved populations such as Black Americans. This trial certainly has the potential to redefine how MDD is treated and bring hope to millions of individuals struggling with depression. For information on how to join the trial, click here.
