- Petrushka uses data from over one million individuals to recommend the most effective antidepressants in real-time during consultations.
- Petrushka’s goal is to empower patients and improve treatment efficacy by identifying the most suitable antidepressants sooner.
- The trial aims to gather crucial data on mood, anxiety, quality of life, and side effects to further enhance treatment outcomes.
Oxford University’s Department of Psychiatry embarks on a groundbreaking clinical trial, seeking volunteers to test Petrushka, an AI algorithm designed to personalize antidepressant treatment for individuals battling depression.
Petrushka
Petrushka, an advanced digital tool, utilizes data from over one million individuals to recommend the most effective antidepressants in real-time during consultations. By considering factors like age, gender, symptom severity, and side effects, Petrushka aims to revolutionize treatment by tailoring it to each patient’s unique needs.
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Chief Investigator Prof Andrea Cipriani emphasizes the need for precise, individualized treatment, highlighting the limitations of current practices where antidepressants are often prescribed based on general knowledge rather than personalized data. With Petrushka, the goal is to empower patients and improve treatment efficacy by identifying the most suitable antidepressants sooner.
Participating in clinical trial
Patients can sign up for the trial themselves, with a short screening process following. The study, lasting 24 weeks, will assess treatment acceptance, tolerance, and effectiveness. Managed by Trial Manager Nyla Haque, the trial aims to gather crucial data on mood, anxiety, quality of life, and side effects to further enhance treatment outcomes.
The trial extends beyond Oxford University, with participation from Canada and Brazil, reflecting its global significance. Funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, this initiative represents a significant step towards advancing precision medicine in depression treatment.
