BIOMARKERS FOR DRUG SELECTION IN DEPRESSION

The study aims to assess whether providing Clinical Decision Support Software (CDSS) information improves the pharmacological response in patients with depression. The CDSS integrates genomic, clinical, and blood biomarker data to assist psychiatrists in selecting the most appropriate treatment for each patient. A total of 72 patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder were recruited. Participants were male and female adults aged 18 to 65 years, all presenting with moderate to severe symptomatology as assessed by the HAM-D-17 scale. Enrolled patients were randomized into two groups: * TAU group (Treatment as Usual) (+): patients received standard clinical care. * CDSS group: psychiatrists received and could incorporate CDSS-generated information when making treatment decisions. (+) The TAU group received CDSS information at the 12-week follow-up. All patients underwent blood collection at baseline (for blood-based and genomic biomarkers) and completed clinical evaluations at baseline, and at 8, 12, and 24 weeks of follow-up.