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 503 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- 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 - NCT05136755RecruitingPhase 2
NMDA treatment for depression that did not improve
This trial studies an NMDA-based treatment for people with major depressive disorder who did not respond to at least one antidepressant. It may help by changing brain signaling linked to depression symptoms.
TaichungAges 18–65 - NCT05142683Recruiting
Test an integrated care plan for teens with depression
This study tests whether a structured, coordinated care pathway helps teens (and their caregivers) manage depression better than usual care. It aims to see if targeted treatment and follow-up improve depression symptoms over time.
Toronto, OntarioAges 13–18 - NCT05194098Recruiting
EEG and brain stimulation study for depression reward symptoms
This study uses non-invasive brain stimulation (like TMS) and EEG brain recordings to measure how the brain’s “reward” system works in people with major depression. It may help researchers understand which stimulation approaches best affect depression-related reward processing.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT05232032RecruitingPhase 2
Brain scan and medication study for avoiding versus approaching
This Phase 2 study looks at how a medication affects brain activity and real-life mood or anxiety behaviors. It includes people with major depression or several anxiety disorders and also healthy volunteers, using questionnaires, a smartphone, and brain imaging.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 18–45 - 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 - NCT05295888Recruiting
Temporal Interference treatment for moderate-to-severe depression
This study tests temporal interference (TI), a brain stimulation method, to treat depression. You may be a candidate if you have moderate-to-severe major depression and can follow the study schedule and safety screening.
Toronto, OntarioAges 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+ - NCT05435222Recruiting
Male-only therapy program for major depression
This study tests a counseling/psychotherapy program designed specifically for men with major depression. If you qualify, you may be offered this structured therapy and followed to see whether it helps depressive symptoms.
Zurich, Canton of ZurichAges 25–50 - NCT05437588Recruiting
Blood-based biomarkers for suicide risk in teens with depression
This study looks at tiny blood particles (exosomes) and specific microRNAs to see if they can signal suicide risk and predict treatment outcomes in adolescents. If you qualify, your blood may be used to help researchers find better ways to understand and track suicidality and depression treatment response.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 10–24 - NCT05441969Recruiting
Brain stimulation study for major depression symptoms
This trial studies a way to change how excitable the brain is (through in-person brain stimulation) in people with major depression. It may help understand new treatments or symptom patterns that could be useful for major depression.
LisbonAges 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 - 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 - NCT05491538Recruiting
Work skills training for Veterans living with serious mental illness
This study tests whether a social-skills training program designed for work goals is doable and helpful for Veterans with serious mental illness. It focuses on improving work-related coping and interactions while you receive supported services through the VA.
Minneapolis, MinnesotaAges 18 years+ - 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 - 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 - NCT05543083Recruiting
Therapy plus exercise for teens at risk of type 2 diabetes
This trial tests whether a combination of coaching (cognitive-behavioral therapy) and exercise can improve mood and help teens who are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes. It may be especially helpful if you’re dealing with depression symptoms and a family history of type 2 diabetes.
Aurora, ColoradoAges 12–17 - 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 - 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 - 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 - NCT05583747Recruiting
Brain stimulation therapy with guidance for treatment-resistant depression
This study tests a type of brain stimulation (guided iTBS) to improve depression when standard antidepressant treatments haven’t helped. It also checks that the treatment is safe for people who can meet the study and scan safety requirements.
Toronto, OntarioAges 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 - NCT05603104RecruitingPhase 3
Medication intensification after first treatment failure in mood and psychosis
This Phase 3 study tests a stronger medication approach after your first current treatment hasn’t worked well enough. It targets people with schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, or bipolar depression who still have significant symptoms and life impact.
Ramat GanAges 18–70
Hear when a new Major Depressive Disorder 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 depressive disorder?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 503 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.