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 198 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- 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 - 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+ - 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+ - 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+ - 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 - 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 - NCT06523439Recruiting
Brain stimulation study for teens with depression
This study tests a new type of brain stimulation called accelerated intermittent theta burst stimulation (aiTBS) for teens with depression who have not yet tried medication or therapy. It aims to see if this treatment can help improve depressive symptoms.
Austin, TexasAges 14–19 - NCT06601140Recruiting
Testing a smartphone app for tracking depression symptoms
This study tests a smartphone-based emotional monitoring device (EMOCARE) to see if it can accurately measure your mood compared to a standard depression questionnaire. It may help researchers find a simpler way to track depression symptoms.
AgenAges 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+ - 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+ - NCT06793397RecruitingPhase 3
Study of an experimental psychedelic-like drug for depression (CYB003)
This study tests an investigational medication (CYB003) for people with major depression whose current antidepressant isn't working well enough. It looks at whether this treatment can help improve depression symptoms.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 18–85 - NCT06804525Recruiting
Adapting a mental health survey in Hong Kong
This study adapts a mental health survey for Hong Kong adults. It is open to adults aged 25 and older who live in randomly selected households and can speak Chinese or English.
Hong KongAges 25 years+ - NCT06854367Recruiting
Comparing fast vs. standard brain stimulation for depression in older adults
This study tests if a faster form of brain stimulation (accelerated theta burst stimulation) works as well as the standard version for treating depression in adults 60 and older. It may help those who haven't gotten relief from antidepressant medications.
Toronto, OntarioAges 60 years+ - NCT07031817Recruiting
Using a blood test to better diagnose bipolar disorder
This trial tests a new medical device that uses a blood test to help doctors accurately diagnose bipolar disorder in people who were thought to have major depression. It aims to see if the device can tell the difference and improve treatment choices.
MontpellierAges 18–65 - NCT07087353Recruiting
Remote monitoring for moderate to severe depression
This study tests whether checking in with a mental health team remotely (using your phone) can help people with moderate to severe depression feel better. It’s designed for people who are already getting treatment and want extra support from home.
BesançonAges 18 years+ - 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 - 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 - NCT03065335RecruitingPhase 1
Ketamine plus brain imaging to study response in depression
This early-stage study tests how ketamine given once and then repeatedly may change brain signals and related biomarkers in people with major depression. If you’re eligible, the team will use brain imaging and assessments to see who responds and why.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 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 - NCT07111390Recruiting
Home-based light therapy for major depression
This trial tests whether a special light you can use at home can help treat major depression. It's a 60Hz light that you turn on and off repeatedly. If you're 24–65, have depression, and take a stable antidepressant, you may be able to participate.
New York, New YorkAges 24–65 - 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 - 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 - 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+
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for major depressive episode?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 198 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.