Clinical trials
Major Depressive Disorder clinical trials
Below are recruiting major depressive disorder clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 504 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- 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 - NCT06412315Recruiting
Brain scan study of emotion and a common antidepressant
This study uses a powerful MRI scanner to look at how a part of the brain called the amygdala responds to emotional tasks, and whether a common antidepressant called citalopram affects that response. It may help researchers understand how these treatments work for mental health conditions.
Oxford, OxfordshireAges 18–40 - NCT06396312Recruiting
Predicting lithium response in difficult depression
This study looks at how to predict which people with hard-to-treat depression will benefit from adding lithium to their antidepressant. If you have treatment-resistant depression and are considering lithium, this trial may help find the best treatment for you.
Munich, BavariaAges 18 years+ - 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 - NCT06384209Recruiting
Friendship Bench Plus for Depression
This study tests whether a structured talk therapy program called the Friendship Bench can help adults with moderate to severe depression. You will have conversations with trained lay counselors who guide you through problem-solving techniques.
HarareAges 18 years+ - NCT06376734RecruitingPhase 2
TMS for depression, anxiety, OCD, or schizophrenia
This study tests whether a brain stimulation technique called TMS can help people with depression, anxiety, OCD, or schizophrenia. It aims to find better ways to target the treatment for each person's specific needs.
Sunnyvale, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - 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 - 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 - NCT05973851RecruitingPhase 3
Six-week medicine boost for depression after first treatment failure
This study tests a more intensive antidepressant medicine approach for people whose first tried treatment didn’t work well enough. It compares the intensified treatment with usual care, aiming to improve depression symptoms and daily functioning.
InnsbruckAges 18–65 - NCT06274112Recruiting
Using brain stimulation to understand social motivation in depression or social anxiety
This study uses transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive brain stimulation technique, to explore how the brain processes social motivation in people with major depressive disorder or social anxiety disorder. Understanding these brain processes could help develop new treatments for social avoidance.
Auburn, AlabamaAges 25–50 - NCT06247839RecruitingPhase 3
Psilocybin for depression: changing self-focus
This trial tests whether a single dose of psilocybin can help people with treatment-resistant depression by changing how they focus on themselves. It aims to understand how psilocybin affects brain activity and self-related thinking.
Charlestown, MassachusettsAges 18–55 - NCT04191811Recruiting
Using brain signals to predict CBT success for mood or sleep issues
This study tests whether brain measurements can help predict who will benefit from a type of talk therapy called CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy). If you have depression, social anxiety, or insomnia, your brain “response variability” may be used to personalize or improve treatment planning.
Huddinge, Stockholm CountyAges 18 years+ - NCT06132178RecruitingPhase 2
Psilocybin and rTMS for hard-to-treat depression
This study tests whether a combination of psilocybin (a psychedelic substance) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS, a noninvasive brain stimulation) can help people with treatment-resistant depression. It involves daily visits to the research center for about 2 weeks.
Austin, TexasAges 22–65 - NCT06152705Recruiting
fMRI-Guided vs. Standard Brain Stimulation for Depression
This study compares two types of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to treat depression. One type uses a brain scan (fMRI) to guide the treatment, while the other uses a standard approach. It may help people whose depression hasn't improved with medication.
Ottawa, OntarioAges 18 years+ - 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 - 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 - 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 - NCT05877885Recruiting
Digital treatment for low motivation in older adults with depression
This study tests a digital therapy to improve apathy (feeling unmotivated or “checked out”) in people age 60+ who have depression. It also uses brain imaging (MRI) and questionnaires to see whether the treatment helps brain function linked to motivation.
Orlando, FloridaAges 60 years+ - NCT06086366Recruiting
Brain scan study for depression after COVID-19
This study uses brain scans to understand depression that starts soon after COVID-19. Researchers want to see if there are changes in brain chemistry related to depression, and you may help find new treatment targets.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–75 - 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 - NCT06093906Recruiting
Positive processes and transition to health (PATH) study
This study tests a new therapy that may help people recover after a stressful life event. Over about 6 weeks, you'll work with a coach to retrain your brain's patterns and feel more in control again, as well as reconnect with positive activities.
Newark, DelawareAges 18–65 - NCT06072898RecruitingPhase 2
Psilocybin brain imaging trial for depression
This study tests whether a single dose of psilocybin (a psychedelic compound) can help treat depression by looking at brain changes on MRI. It is designed for people with moderate-to-severe depression who have not responded well to other treatments.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–64 - NCT06002100Enrolling by invitation
Predicting depression treatment response with brain imaging
This study uses a special headband (TD-fNIRS) that measures brain activity to see if it can predict how well different depression treatments work. You would be starting a new treatment for depression (like ketamine, SPRAVATO, TMS, or antidepressants) and wear the headband before and during treatment.
Costa Mesa, CaliforniaAges 18–75 - 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
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for major depressive disorder?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 504 recruiting major depressive disorder 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 depressive disorder 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 depressive disorder 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.