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
- NCT06529029RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Comparing new low-pulse ECT to standard ECT for depression
This trial tests a new type of seizure therapy (low amplitude pulse seizure therapy) against the standard ultra-brief right unilateral ECT for people with severe depression, including those with suicidal thoughts. The goal is to see which treatment works better.
Grand Rapids, MichiganAges 18–90 - NCT07281729Enrolling by invitation
Suicide risk factors study for mood disorders
This study looks at why some people with mood disorders (like depression or bipolar disorder) think about or attempt suicide. By finding the risk factors, doctors hope to better prevent suicide. The study involves filling out questionnaires.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 16–60 - NCT06725277Recruiting
Observing ketamine and Spravato for depression
This study follows people who are already taking or about to start IV ketamine or Spravato® for hard-to-treat depression. Researchers want to learn more about how these treatments work in real life.
Milford, ConnecticutAges Any age - NCT06130371Recruiting
Stress, Inflammation & Brain in Depression vs. Severe PMS
This study looks at how stress and inflammation affect the brain in women with major depression compared to women with severe PMS (PMDD). It could help find better ways to understand and treat these mood disorders.
Tübingen, Baden-WurttembergAges 18–40 - NCT06788249RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression brain study
This trial tests whether a single dose of ketamine can quickly improve depression by studying brain chemical changes using MRI. It's for people with treatment-resistant depression who haven't used ketamine before.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 25–65 - NCT07534475Recruiting
Tourniquet Type for Monitoring Brain Activity During ECT
This study compares two types of arm tourniquets (blood-pressure cuffs) used during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to help doctors monitor seizure activity more accurately. ECT is a treatment for severe depression and other psychiatric conditions, and tourniquets help track how well the treatment is working.
IstanbulAges 18–65 - NCT07263022RecruitingPhase 3
Cognitive Training for Early Psychosis Study
This study tests whether a cognitive training program can help young adults with recent psychosis improve their thinking and memory skills. It involves brain scans and cognitive exercises.
Minneapolis, MinnesotaAges 18–35 - NCT07713849Recruiting
Transition care for recent psychosis
This study tests a program to help people recently diagnosed with psychosis (within the last two years) transition from hospital to community care. If you have a psychotic disorder and a caregiver involved in your discharge planning, this could help you.
Chicago, IllinoisAges 18–40 - NCT07473648Recruiting
A trial of ECT and magnetic seizure therapy for mood disorders
This study compares two types of brain stimulation treatments—electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and magnetic seizure therapy (MST)—to see which works better for people with certain mental health conditions. It may be an option if you have a mood disorder or vision problems that could be helped by these treatments.
Hefei, AnhuiAges 12–80 - NCT03601026Recruiting
Genetic counseling for youth using cannabis safely
This study offers genetic counseling to help reduce mental health problems that can happen for some young people who use cannabis. You join if you are already part of the FORBOW study and fit their age and mental-health criteria.
Halifax, Nova ScotiaAges 12–21 - NCT03953014Recruiting
Genetic study of antidepressant side effects in young people
This trial studies whether genes (using a saliva sample) can help explain why some young people feel more “disinhibited” after taking antidepressants like SSRIs. If you’ve had depression, anxiety, or OCD and have used an SSRI, your information and genetics may help improve how antidepressants are chosen and monitored.
Calgary, AlbertaAges 6–17 - NCT04296604Recruiting
tDCS brain stimulation to improve thinking and mood
This study tests whether a non-surgical brain stimulation called tDCS can improve “executive function,” which means skills like planning, focus, and decision-making. It is designed for people with several mental health and substance-use conditions, and it may help you if those skills are affected by your diagnosis.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT04923685Recruiting
Study looks at blood markers linked to childhood trauma and suicide risk
This study checks whether tiny genetic signals in blood (microRNAs) are linked to childhood maltreatment and thoughts or risk of suicide, especially in people with major depression. It may help researchers understand biological clues that could someday guide better care.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 18–60 - 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 - 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.
Phoenix, ArizonaAges 18–85 - NCT05004987RecruitingPhase 4
Study brain and blood changes in older adults with depression
This study looks at how a brain protein linked to Alzheimer’s disease changes over time in older adults who have major depression but no major memory problems. It involves brain scans, blood and urine tests, and a spinal fluid sample to better understand the connection between depression and brain aging.
New York, New YorkAges 60 years+ - NCT05327699RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Ketamine study for depression with reduced pleasure
This early-phase study tests whether ketamine can help people with major depression who have trouble feeling pleasure. It also studies how the brain may change in response to stress, to better understand who might respond to treatment.
Atlanta, GeorgiaAges 18–65 - NCT05366270Recruiting
Testing how mild heat affects depression symptoms and brain signals
This study tests whether controlled whole-body heat can change immune-related brain and body signals in people with major depressive disorder. It may help researchers understand why heat affects mood and who might benefit, while closely monitoring safety.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65 - NCT05409794Recruiting
Testing blood lithium levels in people with depression and suicidality
This study checks how much lithium is naturally present in the blood and whether that relates to suicidal thoughts or attempts in people with a current major depressive episode. It may help researchers understand biological factors linked to suicide risk and improve future prevention.
MontpellierAges 18 years+ - NCT05437705Recruiting
Brain scan and stimulation study for low mood
This study uses brain imaging (MRI) and a brain-stimulation method (TMS) to understand and possibly change brain patterns linked with low mood. You may be eligible if you have moderate to severe depression symptoms and can safely complete the scans and stimulation sessions.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 18–65 - NCT05480150Recruiting
Study of brain and mood in people with depression or bipolar disorder
This study is following and assessing people with major depression or bipolar disorder to better understand the condition and how the brain relates to symptoms. It may help researchers develop more targeted support by comparing brain and health information over time.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 16–65 - NCT05527509Recruiting
Study of risk and resilience in new RCMP cadets
This study follows people as they start RCMP Cadet Training to learn what factors affect “risk” and “resilience” (how well someone adapts under stress). It may help improve support for cadets during training.
Regina, SaskatchewanAges 19–57 - 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 - NCT05575960Recruiting
Therapy for depression in teens and young adults
This study tests interpersonal psychotherapy, a structured talking therapy, to help teens and young adults with major depression. You might benefit from regular sessions focused on relationships and day-to-day stress.
NorrköpingAges 15–18
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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.