How it works

What does taking part involve? 

The trial is randomised. So, you will receive either the aripiprazole/sertraline combination, or quetiapine. (Read more about the ASCEnD Trial medications.) 

You will have one or two face to face appointments. At these appointments, you will:  

  • Talk about the trial with a trial doctor. They will answer any questions you may have before you decide whether to take part. If you decide to take part, we will ask you to sign a consent form. 

  • Confirm you are eligible for the trial. We will do this by asking some questions and talking about your past and current medications. 

During the trial, we will ask you to complete a weekly questionnaire. This will be done online or over the phone. The questions will measure changes in depressive symptoms, quality of life and costs. 

We will closely check on people taking part in the trial. This enables clinicians to adjust the medications to meet the needs of each person taking part. 

You will receive a weekly phone call from a member of the research team for support. 

If the treatment suits you and seems to be working, then you will be able to continue it after you complete the trial. 

If the treatment isn’t working for you, then you do not have to continue the trial medication. You will be able to remain within the trial on a different medication(s) that you decide with your doctor. 

Time commitment: You will take part in the trial for 24 weeks. 

Compensation: You will receive up to £50, as a thank you for giving your time for the trial. You may also claim for reasonable travel costs while taking part.

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The Oxford Clinical Trials Research Unit at the University of Oxford will collect anonymous data on usage of these animated explainer videos. Find out more about what data they are collecting. 

The ASCEnD trial, explained by Dr Stuart Watson, ASCEnD Chief investigator from Newcastle University and Cumbria Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust.

The ASCEnD study process explained by Dr Apoorva Peddada, ASCEnD Study doctor at CNTW.

Risks of taking part 

The study team think there are minimal risks to being part of this study. All the medications are currently used in the NHS.  

However, all medications carry some risks. Some of the common side effects of these drugs may include headaches, weight gain, feeling sleepy and nausea.  

You will be in regular contact with study's central research assistants. We will ask you to report any side effects you may get. You will talk about these with a trial investigator. If at any point during the study the investigator thinks it would be better for you to stop taking part, you will be withdrawn from the study.