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
- 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 - NCT05616559Recruiting
Precision-guided treatment for single-episode depression
This study tests a more personalized approach to treating depression in people who have had one episode. It uses questionnaires and brain scans (for some participants) to help decide which treatment approach may work best.
CopenhagenAges 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 - NCT05641623RecruitingPhase 2
Study drug for depression that didn’t improve on common antidepressants
This Phase 2 trial tests OSU6162 added to an SSRI or SNRI in people whose major depression did not improve enough after trying specific antidepressants for at least 6 weeks. It may help reduce depression symptoms when standard treatments haven’t worked well.
Lund, Skåne CountyAges 25–65 - NCT05644301RecruitingPhase 3
Blood-marker guided add-on treatment for major depression
This study tests whether doctors can choose the best add-on immune-related treatment for people with major depressive disorder by using inflammation blood tests. It’s meant for people whose depression has not improved enough with their current antidepressant.
Duffel, AntwerpenAges 18–65 - NCT05669703Recruiting
Tracking mood and activity patterns in bipolar disorder families
This study watches how a person’s mood and movement change over time, and how those patterns relate to bipolar disorder. It may help researchers better understand the condition in families and potentially improve future care.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 8–70 - NCT05680220Recruiting
40 Hz light therapy for adults with depression
This trial studies whether daily 40 Hz light stimulation can reduce symptoms of major depression. You’d use a light device for about an hour each day for 6 weeks, while researchers track changes in depression severity.
Copenhagen, DenmarkAges 18–75 - NCT05703256Recruiting
Brain training with feedback to help depression
This trial tests a type of brain training called amygdala neurofeedback to reduce depression symptoms. It may help by teaching your brain patterns to become less “stuck” in depression-related activity.
Pittsburgh, PennsylvaniaAges 18–55 - NCT05745194Recruiting
Mediterranean diet study for depression with inflammation
This study tests whether a Mediterranean-style diet can improve depression symptoms in people who have depression and higher inflammation in their blood. It may help by targeting nutrition-related inflammation that can worsen mood for some people.
Loures, Lisbon DistrictAges 18–70 - NCT05757791RecruitingPhase 2
Testing an SGLT2 diabetes drug for depression
This Phase 2 trial tests whether an SGLT2 medicine (like empagliflozin) can reduce symptoms of major depression. It may help people with moderate-to-severe depression who are otherwise eligible for the study.
New York, New YorkAges 18–65 - NCT05773755Recruiting
Brain stimulation surgery for treatment-resistant depression
This trial studies whether deep brain stimulation (DBS)—a surgically placed brain device—can reduce severe, long-lasting depression that hasn’t responded to many treatments. It may help people whose depression has persisted despite trying multiple antidepressant and other evidence-based therapies.
New York, New YorkAges 25–70 - 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 - NCT05800925Recruiting
Triage survey to check who can join psychiatry research
This study uses a short questionnaire to figure out who is eligible to join future psychiatry research. It may help people get routed into studies that match their situation and safety needs.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT05813093Recruiting
Brain stimulation and brain scans for hard-to-treat depression
This trial tests an alternating combination of brain stimulation and brain imaging to see if it helps people with depression that hasn’t improved with usual treatments. The goal is to find a safer, more effective approach for people whose depression has been very difficult to treat.
Toronto, OntarioAges 20–65 - NCT05866991Recruiting
Study tracking sleep and mood in depression
This study looks at people with a current episode of major depression and measures sleep and daily body-clock patterns, along with other mental health symptoms. They may help researchers better understand how sleep and mood changes relate, which could improve future care.
ParisAges Any age - 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+ - NCT05892744RecruitingPhase 4
Testing brain scans to help choose depression treatment
This trial studies how brain signals measured by MRI and EEG may help doctors choose the best treatment for depression. It focuses on people with early-onset, long-lasting or recurring major depression, and tests whether these “brain biomarkers” track with treatment choice and response.
Austin, TexasAges 18–65 - 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 - NCT05909267Recruiting
Testing dopamine-targeted treatment for depression and body inflammation
This study looks at how changing dopamine signaling may affect motivation and movement in people with major depression, and it also involves healthy volunteers. It may help researchers understand whether dopamine changes can improve symptoms and how inflammation may relate to brain function.
SteglitzAges 18–65 - NCT05913960Recruiting
Theta-burst brain stimulation for major depression
This study tests whether an “accelerated intermittent theta-burst” brain stimulation treatment can improve major depressive disorder by affecting brain signaling pathways. You may be a candidate if you have moderate-to-severe depression and can safely undergo brain MRI.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 12–45
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.