Clinical trials
Major Depression clinical trials
Below are recruiting major depression clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 458 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT06793397RecruitingPhase 3
Study of an experimental psychedelic-like drug for depression (CYB003)
This study tests an investigational medication (CYB003) for people with major depression whose current antidepressant isn't working well enough. It looks at whether this treatment can help improve depression symptoms.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 18–85 - 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 - 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 - NCT06523439Recruiting
Brain stimulation for depression in young people
This study tests a new type of brain stimulation called accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS) in young people (ages 13-20) with depression who have not tried many treatments before. The goal is to see if this treatment can safely help reduce depression symptoms.
Austin, TexasAges 13–20 - NCT07161700Enrolling by invitationPhase 2
Long-term safety study of SPT-300 for major depression
This study is for people who finished the earlier BUOY-1 study of SPT-300 and want to continue treatment. It tests the long-term safety and tolerability of SPT-300 for major depressive disorder, with or without anxious distress.
Chino, CaliforniaAges 18–66 - NCT07065240RecruitingPhase 2
Study of SPT-300 for major depression with or without anxiety
This trial tests an experimental oral medication, SPT-300, for people with major depressive disorder, even if they also have mild anxiety. The goal is to see if it helps improve mood safely.
Chino, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT07474974Recruiting
Can Eye Cells Predict TMS Success for Depression?
This study tests whether a specific type of eye cell can predict how well transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) works for treating depression. TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation method that may help people with depression that hasn't responded to other treatments.
Porto, Porto DistrictAges 18–65 - NCT06902298RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Ultrasound brain stimulation for depression
This trial tests a new, non-invasive ultrasound treatment for people with depression who haven't gotten enough relief from at least two prior treatments. It uses sound waves to gently stimulate areas of the brain linked to mood.
Salt Lake City, UtahAges 18–65 - NCT07082998Recruiting
Heated yoga vs. sauna for depression
This study compares heated yoga with sauna sessions to see which helps reduce depression. You'll also use a mindfulness app. Both treatments are meant to boost mood and well-being.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - 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 - NCT04142996Recruiting
Comparing one- vs two-side brain stimulation for depression
This trial compares two versions of a noninvasive brain treatment called rTMS to see which side-to-side approach works better for major depression. You may be eligible if you still have moderate depressive symptoms despite trying at least one antidepressant.
Ottawa, OntarioAges 18 years+ - NCT07748091Recruiting
Brain wave and inflammation markers in shock therapy for depression
This study looks at brain wave patterns and markers of inflammation in people with depression that hasn't improved with other treatments and who are receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT, also known as shock therapy). The goal is to understand how these markers might relate to how well ECT works.
Istanbul, BakırköyAges 18–60 - NCT07740694Recruiting
ECT study for older adults with depression
This study looks at how ECT affects brain activity and inflammation in older adults with depression. It may help researchers understand why ECT works and improve treatment.
Istanbul, BakırköyAges 55 years+ - NCT07569198RecruitingPhase 2
Ketamine plus therapy for depression with suicidal thoughts
This study tests whether ketamine (a medication) combined with a specific type of therapy called DBT can help people with treatment-resistant depression and borderline personality disorder who are having thoughts of suicide. You would receive ketamine infusions alongside structured therapy sessions over 6 months.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–70 - NCT03973268RecruitingPhase 1
Ketamine study to understand treatment response in hard-to-treat depression
This early-stage study tests ketamine and looks at what brain changes may explain why it helps people with major depression that hasn’t improved with usual treatments. You may be asked to stay in the hospital and complete detailed interviews, mood rating scales, and brain imaging.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–70 - NCT04004169Recruiting
Closed-loop deep brain stimulation for long-lasting depression
This study tests a special kind of brain stimulation that can adjust to your brain signals while treating major depression that has not improved with standard treatments. It may help people with severe, long-term treatment-resistant depression, but it requires brain surgery and frequent visits.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 22–70 - NCT07703722RecruitingPhase 3
Psilocybin and therapy for depression with trauma
This trial tests psilocybin (a compound from certain mushrooms) combined with a structured therapy to see if it helps people with depression linked to trauma. It focuses on how the treatment affects the connection between the gut and brain.
Islamabad, CapitalAges 18–60 - NCT04480918Recruiting
Registry for people with depression or bipolar to receive psychiatry care
This is a patient registry that enrolls people being evaluated for treatment options from an Interventional Psychiatry Service. It helps track patients with depression, bipolar disorder, or treatment-resistant OCD who are suitable for these psychiatry treatments.
Iowa City, IowaAges 18–99 - NCT07562191RecruitingPhase 2
Inhaled DMT for major depression
This trial tests if inhaling DMT can help treat moderate to severe major depression. You may qualify if your depression has lasted at least two weeks and you have not changed medications recently.
Fortaleza, CearáAges 18 years+ - NCT07226011Recruiting
Fast High-Dose Brain Stimulation for Depression
This study tests a stronger, faster type of brain stimulation (called tDCS) to see if it can help treat depression. It may be a good fit if you have major depression and haven't used other brain stimulation in the past 6 months.
Charleston, South CarolinaAges 18–70 - NCT05630963Recruiting
Study sleep-like brain signaling in major depression
This trial looks at how a specific brain receptor related to pain signals (nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor) may be involved in depression. It may help researchers understand depression better by comparing people with current versus past (remitted) major depression.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 18–45 - NCT05892744RecruitingPhase 4
Testing brain scans to help choose depression treatment
This trial studies how brain signals measured by MRI and EEG may help doctors choose the best treatment for depression. It focuses on people with early-onset, long-lasting or recurring major depression, and tests whether these “brain biomarkers” track with treatment choice and response.
Austin, TexasAges 18–65 - NCT05913960Recruiting
Theta-burst brain stimulation for major depression
This study tests whether an “accelerated intermittent theta-burst” brain stimulation treatment can improve major depressive disorder by affecting brain signaling pathways. You may be a candidate if you have moderate-to-severe depression and can safely undergo brain MRI.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 12–45 - NCT06005194Recruiting
Exercise therapy via telehealth for depression after brain injury
This study tests whether an exercise program delivered through video calls can help treat major depression in people who have had a traumatic brain injury. If you are at least one year past your injury and have symptoms of depression, you may be able to join.
Seattle, WashingtonAges 18–64
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Major Depression trials by city
Studies with a site in or near these metro areas.
Major Depression trials by state
Studies with a site anywhere in these states.
Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for major depression?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 458 recruiting major depression 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 major depression 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 major depression 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.