Clinical trials
Major Depressive Episode clinical trials
Below are recruiting major depressive episode clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 194 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- 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 - NCT06409325Recruiting
Magnetic Seizure vs. Electric Shock for Depression
This study compares two brain stimulation treatments—Magnetic Seizure Therapy (MST) and Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)—to see which works better for severe depression. If you are on a stable antidepressant and haven't had recent brain stimulation, this trial may be an option for you.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–65 - NCT07748091Recruiting
Brain wave and inflammation markers in shock therapy for depression
This study looks at brain wave patterns and markers of inflammation in people with depression that hasn't improved with other treatments and who are receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT, also known as shock therapy). The goal is to understand how these markers might relate to how well ECT works.
Istanbul, BakırköyAges 18–60 - NCT07740694Recruiting
ECT study for older adults with depression
This study looks at how ECT affects brain activity and inflammation in older adults with depression. It may help researchers understand why ECT works and improve treatment.
Istanbul, BakırköyAges 55 years+ - NCT07681492Recruiting
Depression, aging, and antidepressants: a belief study
This trial studies how depression and antidepressants affect belief updating in older adults. You may join if you are over 65, have major depression, and are starting a new antidepressant. The goal is to learn more about how your brain adjusts beliefs over time.
RennesAges 65 years+ - NCT05961306Recruiting
Testing a stepped screening plan during pregnancy and after birth
This study checks how well a step-by-step screening approach and its tools work for identifying issues during pregnancy (weeks 20–24) or in early postpartum (6–10 weeks after delivery). It may help doctors use more accurate screening to decide who needs further care.
Ghent, Oost-VlaanderenAges 18 years+ - NCT07621237RecruitingPhase 2
TNX-102 SL for Major Depressive Disorder
This study tests whether a new medication called TNX-102 SL can reduce depression symptoms better than a placebo (inactive pill). You'll take the medication daily and have regular check-ins to see how you're doing.
Phoenix, ArizonaAges 18 years+ - NCT07611773Recruiting
Brain Stimulation for Depression Treatment Planning
This study tests whether brain scans can predict which people with depression will benefit from transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)—a non-invasive treatment that uses mild electrical pulses to stimulate brain areas related to mood. You would use a small home device and complete brain monitoring sessions.
ValenciaAges 18 years+ - NCT07572526Recruiting
Brain Stimulation to Improve Sleep and Mood in Depression
This study tests a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS (transcranial direct current stimulation) to see if improving sleep can help reduce depression symptoms. You'll do short stimulation sessions at home and track your sleep and mood.
New York, New YorkAges 18–65 - NCT07569198RecruitingPhase 2
Ketamine plus therapy for depression with suicidal thoughts
This study tests whether ketamine (a medication) combined with a specific type of therapy called DBT can help people with treatment-resistant depression and borderline personality disorder who are having thoughts of suicide. You would receive ketamine infusions alongside structured therapy sessions over 6 months.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–70 - NCT06732089Recruiting
Digital help for stubborn depression
This trial tests a digital program (smartphone app or website) to help people with tough-to-treat depression. If you are already receiving advanced treatments like rTMS, ketamine, or ECT at St. Michael's Hospital, you may be able to join and see if this extra digital support improves your mood.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18 years+ - NCT07562191RecruitingPhase 2
Inhaled DMT for major depression
This trial tests if inhaling DMT can help treat moderate to severe major depression. You may qualify if your depression has lasted at least two weeks and you have not changed medications recently.
Fortaleza, CearáAges 18 years+ - NCT07510880Recruiting
Home brain stimulation for major depression
This trial tests a home-based brain stimulation device (tDCS) to treat depression. You would use a headset daily for a few weeks, and the study team will check in to make sure it's working safely and effectively.
L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, BarcelonaAges 18–65 - NCT07512284RecruitingPhase 2
Mindfulness and Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression
This study combines mindfulness practice with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)—a non-invasive brain stimulation technique—to help people with depression that hasn't improved with antidepressant medications. The goal is to see if adding mindfulness to TMS improves how well the treatment works.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT07480525Recruiting
Escitalopram for first-time depression
This trial tests whether escitalopram, a common antidepressant, helps people who are experiencing their first episode of depression and have never taken medication for it. It also looks at how the drug works in the brain.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18–65 - NCT07478796RecruitingPhase 4
Blood-based dosing of SSRIs for hospitalized depression
This study tests whether adjusting the dose of common antidepressants (SSRIs) based on regular blood tests can help people in the hospital feel better faster. It is for adults and teens age 12 and older with moderate to severe depression who are starting fluoxetine, escitalopram, or sertraline.
Poznan, Greater Poland VoivodeshipAges 12 years+ - NCT07462637Recruiting
Light therapy for depression in unipolar and bipolar disorder
This study tests how well light therapy works for moderate to severe depression in people with or without bipolar disorder. It includes a possible MRI brain scan to understand how light affects the brain. You must not have certain eye conditions or high suicide risk.
ParisAges 18–65 - NCT07422519Recruiting
Virtual reality mindfulness for hard-to-treat depression
This study tests whether using a virtual reality mindfulness program, added to your usual depression care, can help people whose depression hasn't responded to standard treatments.
BarcelonaAges 18–74 - NCT06507787Recruiting
Blood test for depression vs. bipolar disorder
This study tests a new blood test (EDIT-B®) to help doctors tell the difference between depression and bipolar disorder. If you have a depressive episode but there is doubt about bipolar disorder, this test might help guide your treatment to improve your health.
ErsteinAges 18–65 - NCT07282678Recruiting
Adaptive brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression.
This study tests a new brain stimulation device that adjusts its signal in real time to treat depression. It's for people who haven't gotten enough help from antidepressants and are looking for a non-drug option.
Durham, North CarolinaAges 22 years+ - NCT07269964Recruiting
At-home brain stimulation for depression maintenance
This trial tests if a gentle, at-home brain stimulation treatment (tDCS) can help prevent depression from returning after successful initial treatment with esketamine, rTMS, or ECT. It is for people who are stable but want to stay well.
München, BavariaAges 18 years+ - NCT07263321Recruiting
Depression treatment choice in general practice
This study helps people with moderate depression decide between medication and therapy. Your doctor will work with you to pick the best option.
AalborgAges 18–65 - NCT07258914Recruiting
Repetitive TMS for depression in adults with autism
This trial tests whether repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can safely and effectively treat major depression in adults who also have autism spectrum disorder. rTMS uses magnetic pulses to stimulate specific brain areas without surgery.
RennesAges 18–65 - NCT07146269Enrolling by invitation
Virtual reality and brain stimulation for depression
This study tests if combining virtual reality with a gentle brain stimulation method at home can help people with major depression. You would use a headset and small electrodes to receive treatment in your own home.
MunichAges 18–65
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Major Depressive Episode trials by city
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Major Depressive Episode trials by state
Studies with a site anywhere in these states.
Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for major depressive episode?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 194 recruiting major depressive episode 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 episode 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 episode 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.