• Age 18 or over
• Diagnosed with depression
• Have not yet started your antidepressant treatment

• If you have recently taken antidepressants
• Pregnant or breast feeding
• Suffering other significant neurological condition
• Receiving end of life care

If you would like us to speak to us about joining the study or want to go ahead and book a Zoom appointment to participate, you can do this via our contact us page. There is no pressure to participate and you can withdraw at any point.

When you sign up you will receive a home test kit with cotton buds and sugar solutions of different strengths. You will be guided through the simple testing process by a member of our research team over a zoom call. Testing involves touching a cotton bud with the sugar solution onto the tip of your tongue to see whether you can taste the sugar.

You will do one taste test before taking your first antidepressant. The test takes about 20 minutes, but it helps if you put aside 15 minutes beforehand to set up your kit and familiarise yourself with it. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure about anything as the researcher will help you. If you are running late or have any IT issues, it’s not a problem – just text or call us on 07539 440372.

After the first test, the researcher will ask you to take your first antidepressant. They will then agree a time with you to carry out a second taste test. This will be a minimum of 2 hours later.

In your box you will find 2 identical sets of mood questionnaires. The first set is to be completed on the day of testing. Once filled in we will ask you to take a photograph of each page and Whatsapp them to your test researcher. You will be sent a reminder 6 weeks later to repeat the process with second set to see how your mood has improved.

Participating in the trial is voluntary. Your treatment will not be affected if you do choose to get involved. We need volunteers to participate in the trial to make the MATT a reality for you, your loved ones and millions worldwide. With your help we could change the way depression is diagnosed and treated in the future.

Yes, participants are paid £40.

All participants who complete the first two taste tests and complete the first set of questionnaires will be sent a £30 E-Giftcard. You will receive another £10 E-Giftcard on receipt of your second set of questionnaires 6 weeks later.

We cannot disclose your results until the trial is complete. Taking part will not affect your current diagnosis or treatment, but will help us develop the test to help you and others like you in future.

We aim to be very flexible with test slots and offer same day appointments whenever possible (if convenient to you). We ask you to wait until after the first taste test before you take your first antidepressant. Your treatment will continue exactly as it would if you were not helping with our study. Your GP will be in charge of your prescriptions and talk to your GP if you have any questions about treatment or side effects of treatment.

Click on the ‘contact us’ page above and complete your details.

Or if you prefer, text or call us on 07539 440372.

If you already have the Zoom app installed, you can use the app, but Zoom can also be used in your browser, just by clicking the link we will email you.

Yes. All of your personal details and data will be kept confidential.