Clinical trials
Major Depression clinical trials
Below are recruiting major depression clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 453 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT06580145RecruitingPhase 2
Leucine for midlife depression
This study tests whether leucine, a common amino acid supplement, can help treat moderate to severe depression in people aged 40–65. You'll have blood tests, an MRI, and a lumbar puncture to measure changes in your brain.
Atlanta, GeorgiaAges 35–65 - NCT06442423RecruitingPhase 1
Psilocybin study for people with psychiatric symptoms
This trial tests if psilocybin, a substance found in certain mushrooms, can help people with various mental health symptoms that affect daily life. You would take a single dose in a supervised setting and be monitored for changes in your mood and well-being.
New Haven, ConnecticutAges 18 years+ - NCT06345859RecruitingPhase 2
Brain and emotion study for young adults with or without depression history
This study looks at how the brain regulates mood and body signals in young adults ages 18-27. It includes people who have had depression in the past but are now well, as well as healthy volunteers with no psychiatric history.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–27 - NCT06132581Recruiting
Brain stimulation for pleasure loss in depression
This study tests a new type of brain stimulation to see if it can help people with depression who have lost the ability to feel pleasure. It uses MRI scans to guide the treatment and may help improve motivation and goal-setting.
Tallahassee, FloridaAges 18–65 - NCT06103760RecruitingPhase 4
Esketamine for hard-to-treat depression
This study tests whether esketamine, a nasal spray for depression, can help adults whose depression has not improved with at least two other antidepressants. Participants continue their current treatment while receiving esketamine.
St Leonards, New South WalesAges 18–65 - NCT05977439Recruiting
Brain training for depression recovery
This study uses brain imaging and stimulation to help people with depression learn how to regulate their emotions better. It aims to find out if targeting specific brain networks can improve symptoms.
Charleston, South CarolinaAges 18–65 - NCT05450432RecruitingPhase 4
Ketamine maintenance to help prevent suicidal thoughts
This Phase 4 study tests whether ongoing treatment with ketamine or esketamine can reduce suicidal thoughts in people with major depression who are at high risk. Because the study focuses on long-term maintenance, you’d receive treatment over time while being closely monitored for safety and mental health changes.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–70 - NCT05523817Recruiting
Brain scan targeting to improve specific depression symptoms
This study uses brain-signal targeting (likely with MRI) to see whether it can improve certain symptoms of depression. You may be able to join if you’re 18–65 and currently have a depressive episode, and if you can safely complete the scan.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT05487911Recruiting
Brain stimulation for depression
This study uses a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat depression. It may help reduce depressive symptoms for people who have not found relief from other treatments.
Houston, TexasAges 18–64 - NCT04788524Recruiting
Brain and stress study in depressed teens with control feelings
This study uses brain scans and short real-life mood/stress check-ins to understand how stress and perceived control work in teens with depression. It may help researchers better pinpoint brain patterns linked to depression and how teens experience control during stressful moments.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 14–18 - NCT04576182Recruiting
Therapy for depression using emotion-focused sessions
This study tests a structured talk-therapy program (supportive-expressive and emotion-focused therapy) for people with major depression. It may help by teaching new ways to understand and work with emotions as part of treatment.
HaifaAges 18–65 - NCT04061148Recruiting
Near-infrared testing to assess depression
This study uses a near-infrared light test to measure things related to depression. It includes people without depression and people diagnosed with major depressive disorder receiving care at UCSF/SFVAMC, to see how well the test fits with depression status.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07217223Recruiting
Home-based brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression
This study tests whether a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS can help people with depression that hasn't improved with medication. It can be done at home using a special headset and an internet connection.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–85 - NCT06054321Recruiting
Depression medication study for adults 19 to 65
This study tests a new way of choosing antidepressants for people with major depression. It's designed for adults aged 19–65 who have moderate to severe depression and are either starting a new antidepressant or have been off psychiatric meds for at least a month.
GwangjuAges 19–65 - 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+ - NCT06675851RecruitingPhase 4
Dopamine changes in the brains of depressed and healthy people
This study uses brain scans to look at dopamine — a chemical messenger related to reward and mood — in people with depression and healthy volunteers. Researchers want to understand how dopamine changes in depression, which may lead to better treatments.
ViennaAges 18–65 - NCT06223880RecruitingPhase 4
AXS-05 vs Bupropion to prevent depression relapse
This study tests whether a new drug called AXS-05 can prevent depression from coming back, compared to an older drug called bupropion. If you have major depression and are at risk of relapse, this trial may help you stay well.
Bellflower, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT07328373Recruiting
Depression Relapse Predictors Study
This trial looks at brain and genetic markers to understand why depression returns. It is for people with major depression who are not currently taking medication.
IstanbulAges 18–65 - NCT07159061Recruiting
Brain training for depression using neurofeedback
This study tests whether a brain training technique called neurofeedback can help treat depression. By showing your brain activity in real time on a screen, you may learn to control the brain patterns linked to depression and feel better.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18–65 - 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 - NCT07080489Recruiting
Decision-making brain activity study for adults
This study uses brain imaging to understand how the prefrontal cortex helps with decision-making. Researchers are looking at healthy adults and people with mild to moderate depression to see if decision-making differs between groups.
BernAges 20–75 - NCT07002684Recruiting
Esketamine study for depression
This trial tests how treatment with esketamine affects metabolism in people with depression. It may help if you have not responded to at least two standard antidepressants.
ZagrebAges 18–70 - NCT04057378RecruitingPhase 4
Testing the best electrical settings for ECT for depression
This trial studies which electrical “pulse settings” work best during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for people with depression. It may help doctors personalize ECT so the treatment is safer and works as well as possible for you.
ÖrebroAges 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+
Hear when a new Major Depression 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 major depression?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 453 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.