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
- NCT04041479RecruitingPhase 3
Brain-scan guided rTMS for treatment-resistant depression
This trial tests whether using brain-related “biomarkers” from your scans to guide rTMS can improve depression that hasn’t responded to at least one antidepressant. It may help by targeting brain circuits linked to depression more precisely.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 22–65 - NCT02752542RecruitingPhase 4
Personalized therapy and antidepressants for depression
This trial studies whether a personalized combination of talk therapy (CBT) and antidepressant medication works better for people with moderate to severe depression. It’s meant to match treatment choices to your situation and to see what helps most.
Halifax, Nova ScotiaAges 18 years+ - NCT06559306RecruitingPhase 3
Seltorexant for depression with insomnia symptoms
This trial tests if adding seltorexant to your current antidepressant can improve depression and sleep problems. It is for people with major depressive disorder who still have symptoms, especially insomnia, despite trying at least one antidepressant.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 18–74 - NCT06982820Recruiting
Brain training therapy for depression with loss of interest
This trial tests a new type of brain training (self-neuromodulation) to help people with major depression who also have a significant loss of interest or pleasure (anhedonia). If you qualify, you may get a non-invasive treatment that uses real-time brain feedback to improve symptoms.
Providence, Rhode IslandAges 22–75 - 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 - 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 - NCT06163625Recruiting
Brain activity and memory in treatment-resistant depression
This study looks at how the brain's frontal lobe (DLPFC) works during memory tasks in people with treatment-resistant depression. It compares brain activity between depressed patients and healthy controls using MRI and possibly a brain stimulation technique (rTMS). It aims to understand why some people don't respond to standard treatments.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–65 - NCT04870255Recruiting
Brain stimulation for depression in borderline personality disorder
This study tests a type of brain stimulation called rTMS to see if it can help improve mood in people who have both depression and borderline personality disorder. It may offer a new treatment option for those who haven't tried TMS before.
Stanford, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT05097586Recruiting
At-home brain stimulation trial for depression during pregnancy
This trial tests whether doing at-home, noninvasive brain stimulation (tDCS) can reduce depression symptoms during pregnancy. It may help people who are in a depressive episode but prefer not to take antidepressant medication right now.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18 years+ - NCT06820723RecruitingPhase 2
Testing a single dose of CYB003 for depression and anxiety
This trial tests a single dose of an investigational drug (CYB003) in people with depression and anxiety who haven't gotten enough help from their current antidepressant. You would take a psilocybin-like medication and be monitored for how it affects your mood and anxiety.
Columbus, OhioAges 21–65 - 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 - NCT06480201RecruitingPhase 1
Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression: a brain wave study
This study tests whether a single dose of ketamine can change brain wave patterns (called gamma oscillations) in people with treatment-resistant depression. Researchers want to see if these brain waves can predict who will feel better after treatment.
Houston, TexasAges 21–45 - NCT06773949Recruiting
Exercise before rTMS for hard-to-treat depression
This trial tests if doing exercise before repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve depression symptoms in people who haven't gotten better with standard treatments.
Ottawa, OntarioAges 18–75 - NCT07180342Recruiting
Nature outings for depression recovery
This study tests whether nature-based group trips can help people with major depression feel better. You would visit parks and do outdoor activities while researchers measure changes in mood and daily function.
Jinan, ShandongAges 18–59 - NCT06528938Recruiting
Accelerated vs. standard TMS for teen depression
This study tests whether a faster, brain-guided form of TMS (called iTBS) can help treat depression in teenagers better than standard TMS. You may qualify if you're 16–19, have tried an antidepressant that didn't work well, and have no medical reasons to avoid TMS or MRI.
Ottawa, OntarioAges 16–19 - NCT06967857RecruitingPhase 2
Dexamfetamine for adults with ADHD and depression
This trial tests a study medication (dexamfetamine) for adults who have both ADHD and moderate to severe depression. It aims to see if the medication is safe and helps improve both conditions.
FrankfurtAges 18–65 - NCT06938841Recruiting
Maintenance rTMS for depression
This study tests whether ongoing rTMS treatments can help people who already improved after an initial round of rTMS for depression. It aims to keep the benefits going and prevent relapse.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - NCT06780917Recruiting
Online cognitive testing for older adults with depression or memory concerns
This study tests whether an online cognitive assessment platform (Creyos) is valid for older adults with major depression or mild cognitive impairment. Participants will complete brain games or puzzles to see how well the online tool measures thinking skills.
Toronto, OntarioAges 60 years+ - NCT07185438Recruiting
MRI-guided brain stimulation for teenage depression
This study tests whether a type of brain stimulation called rTMS, guided by an MRI scan, can safely help ease depression symptoms in teenagers. You would continue your regular medication during the study.
ChongqingAges 12–18 - NCT07508215Recruiting
Bright light therapy for memory problems in depression
This study tests whether daily bright light therapy can improve thinking and memory in people with major depression. You would continue your regular antidepressant and add 30-60 minutes of light box use each morning.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18–60 - NCT07533773Recruiting
Brain Activity Changes After Depression Treatment
This study measures how brain activity in specific regions changes after you receive electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) or magnetic seizure therapy (MST) for severe depression. Researchers use a non-invasive headband to monitor blood flow in your brain before and after treatment to better understand how these therapies work.
Hefei, AnhuiAges 12–65 - NCT07610473RecruitingPhase 2
Testing DT-101 as an add-on for depression
This trial tests if a new medication, DT-101, can help when added to your current depression treatment. It's for adults with recurrent depression who may need extra support.
Phoenix, ArizonaAges 18–75 - NCT07281352RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Psilocybin therapy for depression
This study tests if psilocybin (a psychedelic) combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help people with major depression. You would receive the psilocybin in a supervised setting and have talk therapy before and after.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 21–60 - NCT06795451RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Spinal stimulation for depression: a clinical trial
This study tests if a non-invasive spinal stimulation device can improve depression symptoms. It is for people currently taking an antidepressant for at least 8 weeks but still experiencing depression.
Mason, OhioAges 18–60
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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.