Clinical trials
Depressive Episode clinical trials
Below are recruiting depressive episode clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 49 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT07111390Recruiting
Home-based light therapy for major depression
This trial tests whether a special light you can use at home can help treat major depression. It's a 60Hz light that you turn on and off repeatedly. If you're 24–65, have depression, and take a stable antidepressant, you may be able to participate.
New York, New YorkAges 24–65 - NCT04999553Recruiting
Comparing brain stimulation on left vs right side for depression
This study tests whether delivering a type of brain stimulation to the left side of the head is as effective as delivering it to the right side for treating major depression. The treatment is called transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), which uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain areas involved in mood.
Vancouver, British ColumbiaAges 18–65 - NCT07490379Recruiting
Home vs. Hospital Brain Stimulation for Depression
This trial compares doing transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) at home versus in the hospital to see if it works as well for depression. tDCS uses a mild electrical current on the scalp to help improve mood.
AngletAges 18 years+ - NCT06619366Recruiting
Guided risk talk to prevent major depression
This study tests if talking with a coach about your personal risk of depression can help prevent it. You may be eligible if you are at higher risk but currently well.
Halifax, Nova ScotiaAges 18–65 - NCT07480525Recruiting
Escitalopram for first-time depression
This trial tests whether escitalopram, a common antidepressant, helps people who are experiencing their first episode of depression and have never taken medication for it. It also looks at how the drug works in the brain.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18–65 - NCT06409325Recruiting
Magnetic Seizure vs. Electric Shock for Depression
This study compares two brain stimulation treatments—Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)—to see which works better for severe depression. If you are on a stable antidepressant and haven't had recent brain stimulation, this trial may be an option for you.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–65 - NCT05961306Recruiting
Testing a stepped screening plan during pregnancy and after birth
This study checks how well a step-by-step screening approach and its tools work for identifying issues during pregnancy (weeks 20–24) or in early postpartum (6–10 weeks after delivery). It may help doctors use more accurate screening to decide who needs further care.
Ghent, Oost-VlaanderenAges 18 years+ - NCT06601140Recruiting
Testing a smartphone app for tracking depression symptoms
This study tests a smartphone-based emotional monitoring device (EMOCARE) to see if it can accurately measure your mood compared to a standard depression questionnaire. It may help researchers find a simpler way to track depression symptoms.
AgenAges 18 years+ - NCT07258914Recruiting
Repetitive TMS for depression in adults with autism
This trial tests whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can safely and effectively treat major depression in adults who also have autism spectrum disorder. rTMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain areas without surgery.
RennesAges 18–65 - NCT07269964Recruiting
At-home brain stimulation for depression maintenance
This trial tests if a gentle, at-home brain stimulation treatment (tDCS) can help prevent depression from returning after successful initial treatment with esketamine, rTMS, or ECT. It is for people who are stable but want to stay well.
München, BavariaAges 18 years+ - NCT07120880RecruitingPhase 3
Light therapy timing for depression with insomnia
This trial tests whether giving light therapy at a specific time of day can improve both depression and sleep problems. It is for adults with major depression and insomnia who are not currently on antidepressants.
ParisAges 18–65 - NCT06508710RecruitingPhase 3
Ketamine plus venlafaxine for severe depression
This trial tests whether adding ketamine to the antidepressant venlafaxine helps relieve severe depression faster than venlafaxine alone. If you are hospitalized for a serious depression and you meet safety criteria, you may be eligible.
Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, FranceAges 18–65 - NCT06384209Recruiting
Friendship Bench Plus for Depression
This study tests whether a structured talk therapy program called the Friendship Bench can help adults with moderate to severe depression. You will have conversations with trained lay counselors who guide you through problem-solving techniques.
HarareAges 18 years+ - NCT07681492Recruiting
Depression, aging, and antidepressants: a belief study
This trial studies how depression and antidepressants affect belief updating in older adults. You may join if you are over 65, have major depression, and are starting a new antidepressant. The goal is to learn more about how your brain adjusts beliefs over time.
RennesAges 65 years+ - NCT07031817Recruiting
Using a blood test to better diagnose bipolar disorder
This trial tests a new medical device that uses a blood test to help doctors accurately diagnose bipolar disorder in people who were thought to have major depression. It aims to see if the device can tell the difference and improve treatment choices.
MontpellierAges 18–65 - NCT05828056Recruiting
Predicting mood episodes in bipolar disorder with a smartwatch
This study uses a smartwatch and smartphone to track daily patterns and predict when manic or depressive episodes might happen in people with bipolar disorder. It aims to help patients and doctors better manage the condition.
TaipeiAges 20–60 - NCT04870255Recruiting
Brain stimulation for depression in borderline personality disorder
This study tests a type of brain stimulation called rTMS to see if it can help improve mood in people who have both depression and borderline personality disorder. It may offer a new treatment option for those who haven't tried TMS before.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT06507787Recruiting
Blood test for depression vs. bipolar disorder
This study tests a new blood test (EDIT-B®) to help doctors tell the difference between depression and bipolar disorder. If you have a depressive episode but there is doubt about bipolar disorder, this test might help guide your treatment to improve your health.
ErsteinAges 18–65 - NCT07127913Recruiting
Closed-loop brain stimulation for hard-to-treat bipolar depression
This trial tests a closed-loop deep brain stimulation system for people with bipolar II disorder whose depression has not responded to standard treatments. The device sends targeted electrical pulses to the brain based on real-time activity, aiming to reduce depression symptoms.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 22–70 - NCT06656416RecruitingPhase 2
Study of ALTO-100 for bipolar depression
This study tests an investigational drug called ALTO-100 for people with bipolar disorder who are currently experiencing depression. It aims to see if ALTO-100 can help improve depressive symptoms when added to your current mood stabilizer or antipsychotic medication.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 18–70 - NCT04777357RecruitingPhase 3
Cariprazine for bipolar depression in ages 10 to 17
This Phase 3 study tests whether cariprazine can improve depression symptoms in children and teens with bipolar I disorder, and also tracks side effects. It may help if your depressive episode is ongoing and you meet specific mood and screening score requirements.
Bentonville, ArkansasAges 10–17 - NCT05616559Recruiting
Precision-guided treatment for single-episode depression
This study tests a more personalized approach to treating depression in people who have had one episode. It uses questionnaires and brain scans (for some participants) to help decide which treatment approach may work best.
CopenhagenAges 18–65 - NCT07412132RecruitingPhase 3
Testing lacosamide for hard-to-treat bipolar depression
This study tests if a medication called lacosamide can help people with bipolar depression that has not improved with at least two other treatments. It's for those with moderate to severe depression in bipolar I or II.
São Paulo, São PauloAges 18–65 - NCT05973643Recruiting
Metabolomics study during ECT for depression
This study measures changes in your blood and/or body chemistry while you receive electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for a severe mood episode. The goal is to understand biological signals related to ECT and treatment-resistant depression, which may help improve future care.
BronAges 18 years+
Hear when a new Depressive Episode trial opens
We’ll email you when one opens — at most once a week, no account needed, unsubscribe anytime.
Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for depressive episode?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 49 recruiting depressive episode studies from the U.S. registry, each rewritten for real people, not researchers, so you can see what it’s testing and who it’s for.
- How do I know if I qualify for a depressive episode trial?
- Each study lists its eligibility criteria — rules about age, diagnosis, and prior treatments. On every Clin2 trial page we explain these in words written for real people and offer a short, optional pre-screen for a fit read. The study team makes the final decision.
- Does it cost anything to join a depressive episode trial?
- Using Clin2 is always free. Many trials cover the cost of the study treatment and related visits; some reimburse travel. The study team explains exactly what’s covered before you decide.
Related conditions
Clin2 helps you find and understand clinical trials and does not provide medical advice. Study data comes from ClinicalTrials.gov. Talk with your doctor about whether a specific trial is right for you.