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
- 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 - NCT06450704Recruiting
Exercise for depression: brain and body health
This trial tests if a 12-week exercise program can reduce inflammation and improve brain function in people with depression. It's for adults currently taking antidepressant medication and looking for extra help through physical activity.
Alcalá de Henares, MadridAges 18–65 - NCT05239780Recruiting
Brain stimulation study for adults with depression
This study uses an invasive approach (placement of brain monitoring/stimulation) to better understand how the brain processes reward in depression. It may help researchers develop more targeted treatments in the future.
New York, New YorkAges 18–80 - NCT06110897Recruiting
Resistance Exercise for Depression Trial
This study tests whether resistance exercise (like lifting weights) can help reduce depression symptoms. If you have major depression and are not already doing regular resistance training, you may be able to join.
Ames, IowaAges 18–65 - NCT05786066RecruitingPhase 2
Test whether blocking AMPA changes ketamine’s suicide relief
This study looks at whether an “AMPA receptor blocker” changes how ketamine affects suicidal thoughts in people with depression that hasn’t improved with usual treatments. If you qualify, you may receive ketamine and the study medicine, while continuing your regular mental health care.
West Haven, ConnecticutAges 21–65 - NCT05573074Recruiting
Light treatment trial for brain blood flow in depression
This study tests whether shining near-infrared light through the head can change brain blood flow and reduce depression symptoms. If you have major depression, you may be offered a non-drug, device-based approach to see how well it helps.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT02994433RecruitingPhase 1
Testing nitrous oxide for depression brain circuit activity
This early study tests whether nitrous oxide, aimed at specific brain circuits, can change depression-related brain activity. It is mainly for adults with major depression or treatment-resistant depression, and includes brain imaging during the study.
St Louis, MissouriAges 18–65 - NCT05570812RecruitingPhase 2
Pregnenolone to improve depressed mood in people with HIV
This Phase 2 trial tests a brain-acting steroid called pregnenolone to help reduce depressed mood. It studies whether it can improve mood in adults with HIV who are already on HIV treatment and still have depression symptoms.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–85 - NCT06311136Recruiting
Mood support through a smartphone app
This trial tests a smartphone-based program designed to help people manage their emotions in the moment. It may be especially helpful if you currently have mild to moderate depression.
HeidelbergAges 18–65 - NCT07845604RecruitingPhase 2
Testing an anti-inflammatory drug with Lexapro for depression
This study tests whether an anti-inflammatory medication (adalimumab, also known as Humira) can help treat depression when added to Lexapro. It may help people whose depression is linked to higher levels of inflammation in the body.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18 years+ - NCT06658795Recruiting
Can brain stimulation help older adults with depression and loneliness?
This study tests whether a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) can reduce loneliness in older adults with depression. It involves wearing a headband during sessions and comparing results to a placebo group.
Guangzhou, GuangdongAges 60–80 - NCT04935619Recruiting
Testing cannabis abstinence effects in depression symptoms
This study looks at how stopping cannabis for a period of time may affect depression symptoms and thinking/memory. You might benefit by getting close monitoring of mood and cognition while researchers compare changes during cannabis abstinence.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–55 - NCT06972368Recruiting
Home brain stimulation for depression in borderline personality disorder
This trial tests whether a gentle brain stimulation device (tDCS) used at home can help with depression in people with borderline personality disorder. If you have BPD and current depression, you may be able to participate from home using your smartphone.
Montreal, QuebecAges 18–65 - NCT06671977RecruitingPhase 1
Safety and effects of DMT in healthy adults and those with depression
This trial studies the safety and effects of DMT, a psychedelic compound, in healthy volunteers and people with major depressive disorder (MDD) who haven't responded well to antidepressants. It aims to see how DMT affects the brain and mood.
West Haven, ConnecticutAges 21–65 - NCT05895747RecruitingPhase 2
5-HTP and creatine for adults with depression symptoms
This Phase 2 study tests whether adding 5-HTP and creatine can reduce depression symptoms in adults with major depressive disorder. It may help if your current depression treatment hasn’t been fully effective and you meet the safety and medical criteria.
Salt Lake City, UtahAges 18–65 - NCT05598034Recruiting
Brain stimulation with tDCS for moderate depression
This study tests whether a noninvasive brain stimulation called tDCS can improve depression symptoms. It also uses MRI scans, aiming to understand how brain changes may relate to symptom improvement.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 20–55 - NCT03736538Enrolling by invitationPhase 1
Nitrous oxide for suicidal thoughts in depression
This Phase 1 study tests whether breathing nitrous oxide can safely reduce suicidal thoughts in adults with major depression. It may help people whose depression is causing moderate to severe suicidal thinking, by studying a fast-acting treatment approach.
St Louis, MissouriAges 18–65 - NCT05553353Recruiting
Repeated brain stimulation for depression after spinal cord injury
This study tests a non-drug treatment called repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to reduce depression symptoms in people with depression after a spinal cord injury. You might be eligible if you have ongoing major depression and can safely receive magnetic pulses to the head.
Charleston, South CarolinaAges 18–60 - NCT06724666Recruiting
Online therapy for teens with anxiety or depression
This study tests an online therapy program for teens aged 13–17 who feel anxious, depressed, or both. The program is designed to help you understand and manage these feelings through short, internet-based sessions, and you can do it from home.
Cluj-NapocaAges 13–17 - NCT07758010Recruiting
Brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression
This study tests a type of brain stimulation called cTBS (continuous theta burst stimulation) applied to a specific part of the brain (the precuneus) to see if it helps with treatment-resistant depression. It aims to provide a new option for people who haven't found relief from standard treatments.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT06398496Recruiting
Exercise, gut health, mood in depression
This trial studies whether a 12-week exercise program can improve gut bacteria, mood, and thinking in people with depression. It may help if you are looking for a non-medication way to support your mental health.
Cork, Cork CountyAges 18–59 - NCT05076214Recruiting
Exercise group for teens with mild to moderate depression
This study compares a structured aerobic exercise group to a more relaxed leisure activity group for adolescents with mild to moderate depression. It aims to see whether exercise can help improve mood when earlier basic support didn’t work well enough.
HalmstadAges 13–17 - NCT06389175Enrolling by invitation
Non-invasive ear stimulation for depression
This study uses a gentle, non-invasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve in your ear to see if it can improve how your stomach and brain communicate, which may help with depression symptoms.
BonnAges 18–55 - 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
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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.