Clinical trials · Washington, D.C., DC
Major Depression clinical trials in Washington, D.C.
We’re tracking 27 recruiting major depression studies with a site in or near Washington, D.C. — including Phase 1, Phase 2 and Phase 3 studies, each written for real people, not researchers.
Recruiting studies near Washington, D.C.
- NCT07227454RecruitingPhase 3
Esketamine for teens with severe depression and suicidal thoughts
This trial tests if esketamine (a nasal spray) can quickly reduce symptoms of major depression and suicidal thoughts in teenagers who need urgent hospital care.
Washington D.C., District of ColumbiaAges 12–17 - NCT05671419Recruiting
Mindful self-compassion training for anxiety and depression
This study tests whether a structured “mindful self-compassion” program can reduce symptoms of anxiety disorders or depression. It’s meant to help by improving how you relate to yourself during difficult thoughts and feelings.
Washington D.C., District of ColumbiaAges 18–75 - NCT07028216Recruiting
Mindful Self-Compassion for Anxiety and Depression
This study tests whether a program called Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) can help people with anxiety or depression who tend to be hard on themselves. You will be assigned to learn MSC either in a group class or online.
Washington D.C., District of ColumbiaAges 18–65 - NCT05703685RecruitingPhase 1
Imaging brain inflammation target in depression with PET
This Phase 1 study uses a PET brain scan tracer to see how a specific brain target (PDE4B) is involved in major depressive disorder (MDD). It’s mainly testing whether the imaging approach works and what it shows in people with depression who meet specific safety and medication rules.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–70 - NCT00018057RecruitingPhase 2
Brain study of pediatric anxiety disorders
This study looks at how the brain works in children and adults with anxiety disorders. It uses brain scans (fMRI) and other safe tests to understand anxiety better.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 8–65 - NCT03065335RecruitingPhase 1
Ketamine plus brain imaging to study response in depression
This early-stage study tests how ketamine given once and then repeatedly may change brain signals and related biomarkers in people with major depression. If you’re eligible, the team will use brain imaging and assessments to see who responds and why.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–65 - NCT06462196Recruiting
Study of Depression, Bipolar Disorder & Suicide Risk
This study looks at how depression, bipolar disorder, and suicide risk naturally change over time. It aims to better understand these conditions so doctors can improve treatments.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–120 - NCT06511908RecruitingPhase 2
Testing a new ketamine-like drug for hard-to-treat depression
This study tests a new experimental drug (2R,6R)-HNK, a chemical related to ketamine, given by IV infusion to see if it can help people with depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. The goal is to find a new option for people who have not found relief from standard antidepressants.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–70 - NCT05669703Recruiting
Tracking mood and activity patterns in bipolar disorder families
This study watches how a person’s mood and movement change over time, and how those patterns relate to bipolar disorder. It may help researchers better understand the condition in families and potentially improve future care.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 8–70 - NCT04582916RecruitingPhase 1
PET scan study of inflammation in major depression
This Phase 1 study uses a PET brain scan to look at inflammation-related activity (cyclooxygenase) in people with major depressive disorder (MDD). It may help researchers better understand how depression is connected to inflammation in the brain.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 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 - NCT07621237RecruitingPhase 2
TNX-102 SL for Major Depressive Disorder
This study tests whether a new medication called TNX-102 SL can reduce depression symptoms better than a placebo (inactive pill). You'll take the medication daily and have regular check-ins to see how you're doing.
Rockville, MarylandAges 18 years+ - NCT07115329RecruitingPhase 2
Testing Zelquistinel for major depression
This study tests a new oral medication called Zelquistinel (taken as a tablet) against a placebo for treating major depressive disorder. Researchers want to see if it can reduce depression symptoms, especially when other antidepressants haven't been tried or haven't worked.
Rockville, MarylandAges 18–64 - NCT06605105Enrolling by invitationPhase 3
Long-term extension trial of CYB003 for depression
This long-term study is for people who already completed an earlier trial of the experimental drug CYB003 for major depression and who stayed on their regular antidepressant. It looks at the safety and effects of taking CYB003 again over many months.
Rockville, MarylandAges 18–85 - NCT07105397Recruiting
AI assistant for managing depression
This study tests a conversational AI system designed to help manage depression. It may recommend treatment changes that are reviewed by a clinician, offering a new way to get support.
Fairfax, VirginiaAges 18–85 - NCT06633016RecruitingPhase 2
ABX-002 for major depression (add-on treatment)
This trial tests a new medication called ABX-002 as an add-on to your current antidepressant. It's for people with moderate to severe depression who haven't gotten enough help from their current antidepressant alone.
Fairfax, VirginiaAges 18–65 - NCT07412756RecruitingPhase 3
Brenipatide for major depressive disorder
This trial tests a new medication, Brenipatide, to see if it helps people with major depression who are already on a stable treatment. You would need to inject the study drug yourself and complete questionnaires.
Fairfax, VirginiaAges 18–75 - NCT07300969RecruitingPhase 2
Testing DT-101 for adults with depression
This trial tests a new medicine called DT-101 to see if it helps people with depression. It is for adults who have had more than one depressive episode in their life.
Gaithersburg, MarylandAges 18–75 - NCT06656416RecruitingPhase 2
ALTO-100 for bipolar depression
This trial tests an investigational drug called ALTO-100 in people with bipolar I or II who are currently experiencing depression. It looks at whether this new medicine can help improve depression symptoms when taken alongside your usual mood stabilizer or antipsychotic medication.
Gaithersburg, MarylandAges 18–70 - NCT06963021RecruitingPhase 3
Study of NBI-1065845 for depression that hasn't fully responded to treatment
This trial tests an investigational drug called NBI-1065845 added to your current antidepressant. It is for people with moderate to severe depression or persistent depressive disorder who have not improved enough with oral antidepressants alone.
Gaithersburg, MarylandAges 18 years+ - NCT06966401RecruitingPhase 3
Long-term safety study of a new depression treatment
This study tests a new oral medication (NBI-1065845) added to your current antidepressant to see if it's safe and tolerable over a long period for people with depression that hasn't fully responded to treatment.
Gaithersburg, MarylandAges 18 years+ - NCT07573176RecruitingPhase 3
Seltorexant for Depression in Adults and Older Adults
This study tests a new medication called seltorexant as a standalone treatment for major depression. The trial is for adults and older adults who have depression that hasn't improved with other antidepressants or who haven't tried them yet.
Baltimore, MarylandAges 18–74 - 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.
Baltimore, MarylandAges 18–85 - NCT05538910Recruiting
Study brain links between depression and substance use
This study uses brain imaging and questionnaires to understand how substance use and depression are connected in the brain. It may help researchers identify biological patterns that could guide better treatments in the future.
Baltimore, MarylandAges 18–60
Hear when a new Major Depression trial opens near Washington, D.C., DC
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Major Depression trials in other cities
Where these studies are running near Washington, D.C.
Institutions with a site for the recruiting major depression studies listed above.
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center · 8 studies
- Georgetown University Medical Center · 2 studies
- Johns Hopkins University · 2 studies
- Neurocrine Clinical Site · 2 studies
- Pharmasite Research, Inc. · 2 studies
- Sunstone Therapies · 2 studies
- Autobahn Site #145
- Children's National Medical Center
What taking part in a major depression study involves
A screening visit first
Before anything else, the study team checks whether you fit — usually a visit with some tests. You can stop at any point, and screening is typically free.
Care at a nearby site
Study visits happen at a clinic or hospital taking part. Many studies cover the cost of the study treatment and related visits, and some reimburse travel.
You stay in control
Taking part is voluntary and you can leave a study at any time, for any reason, without affecting your regular care.
The team decides eligibility
Our fit check is a helpful first read, not a decision. The study team makes the final call after reviewing your health history.
Common questions
- Are there major depression clinical trials near Washington, D.C.?
- Yes. We're currently tracking 27 recruiting major depression studies with a site near Washington, D.C., each rewritten in plain language so you can see what it's testing and who it's for.
- How do I find out if I qualify for a major depression study near Washington, D.C.?
- Each study lists its eligibility rules — age, diagnosis, prior treatments. On every trial page we explain these in plain language and offer a short, optional pre-screen for a fit read. The study team makes the final decision.
- Do I have to live in Washington, D.C. to take part?
- Not necessarily. These studies have a site near Washington, D.C., but eligibility is about your health, not your address — some people travel to take part, and a few studies reimburse travel. The study team can tell you what's required.
- Does it cost anything to join a major depression trial?
- Using Clin2 is always free. Many trials cover the study treatment and related visits; some reimburse travel. The study team explains exactly what's covered before you decide.
Not the right time?
New major depression studies open near Washington, D.C. regularly. Set up a health profile and we’ll quietly watch for studies that fit you and email you when one opens.