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
- NCT03437928Recruiting
Deep brain stimulation for severe, treatment-resistant depression
This trial tests whether deep brain stimulation (DBS, a surgically placed device that sends signals to the brain) can reduce symptoms of long-lasting major depression that has not improved with many treatments. You may be more likely to qualify if your depression has been present for years, has been resistant to multiple medications and therapies, and if you meet specific safety and testing requirements.
Dallas, TexasAges 22–70 - NCT03859297Recruiting
Testing how rumination changes in depressed teens
This study looks at what changes in “rumination” (repetitive worrying/thinking about negative thoughts) in teens with depression, and how those changes relate to recovery. It’s for ages 14–17 who have had major depression and meet specific screening and medical rules.
Columbus, OhioAges 14–17 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - NCT06076317Recruiting
Telemedicine monitoring for depression after hospitalization
This trial tests whether regular video check-ins with a psychiatrist can improve recovery after a hospital stay for depression. You may be eligible if you started or changed an antidepressant or anti-anxiety medication while in the hospital and can use a computer or smartphone for video calls.
ParisAges 18 years+ - NCT06213324RecruitingPhase 4
Ketamine's effects on brain circuits in depression
This trial studies how ketamine affects brain circuits in people with depression compared to healthy volunteers. It involves a single infusion of ketamine and brain scans before and after.
New York, New YorkAges 18–65 - NCT06234176Recruiting
Psychomotor therapy for quality of life in depression
This study tests whether a special type of therapy called psychomotor therapy (which focuses on the connection between your mind and body) can improve quality of life for people with severe depression. You’ll continue your usual care while also receiving this therapy, and the researchers will track how your mood and daily life change over time.
LimogesAges 20–60 - NCT06323785Recruiting
Whole-body hyperthermia for depression
This trial tests whether safely raising your body temperature (whole-body hyperthermia) can help relieve depression. It's for people with moderate to severe major depression who are not currently taking antidepressants.
ZurichAges 18–65 - NCT06404320Recruiting
Exercise program for treatment-resistant depression
This study tests whether a physical activity program can help adults whose depression hasn’t improved after trying at least two antidepressants. If you’re sedentary, between 18 and 65, and have treatment-resistant depression, this program might offer a new way to feel better through exercise.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–65 - NCT06410599RecruitingPhase 2
Medication boost for tough-to-treat chronic depression
This trial tests a new medication added to your current treatment for chronic depression that hasn't gotten better with at least two antidepressants and 12 therapy sessions. It might help when standard treatments aren't enough.
Tübingen, Baden-WürtembergAges 18–64 - NCT06461260Recruiting
MRI-guided brain stimulation for depression
This trial uses a special MRI to focus brain stimulation on an area that helps control mood (the amygdala). It aims to find a better way to treat depression when current medications aren't enough.
Shanghai, Shanghai MunicipalityAges 18–65 - NCT07694076Recruiting
Real-time brain feedback for depression
This trial uses a powerful MRI scanner to give you real-time feedback on brain activity linked to depression. You will learn to regulate that activity, which may reduce symptoms.
OxfordAges 18–65 - NCT06559826RecruitingPhase 2
Ketamine therapy with or without talk for depression
This study compares ketamine alone to ketamine combined with psychotherapy for treating depression. It may help if you have moderate to severe depression and want to see if adding talk therapy improves results.
New York, New YorkAges 18–90 - NCT06729541Recruiting
Precision treatments for common mental disorders
This study is developing more personalized treatments for schizophrenia, depression, or bipolar disorder. It may help find the best treatment approach for your specific situation.
Beijing, Beijing MunicipalityAges 18–65 - NCT06781593Recruiting
Light therapy and CPAP for depression with sleep apnea
This study tests if adding bright light therapy to standard CPAP treatment helps improve mood in people who have both depression and sleep apnea. You may benefit if your depression and sleep apnea are both being treated.
Bron, FranceAges 18 years+ - NCT06856161Recruiting
Blood test to help diagnose mental health conditions
This study is testing a new blood test that might help doctors better understand and diagnose conditions like depression, psychosis, or schizophrenia. If you are 19 or older and have one of these conditions, you may be able to join.
New Westminster, British ColumbiaAges 19 years+ - NCT07003997RecruitingPhase 2
JAK inhibitor for depression with inflammation
This trial tests a JAK inhibitor (a type of anti-inflammatory drug) for depression that is linked to inflammation. If you have depression or bipolar depression and a high CRP level (a marker of inflammation), you may be eligible.
Atlanta, GeorgiaAges 25–55 - NCT07033780RecruitingPhase 1
Brain stimulation study for depression treatment
This trial tests a new type of brain stimulation called theta-burst stimulation to see if it helps treat depression. It is for people aged 18-50 who are currently experiencing a major depressive episode and are on a stable antidepressant regimen.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–50 - NCT07140575Recruiting
Brain stimulation for teens with depression in the hospital
This trial tests if a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can help teens with depression who haven't gotten enough relief from therapy or medication. It's designed for youth who are currently in the hospital or planning to be admitted.
Toronto, OntarioAges 14–19 - NCT07212465Recruiting
Brain stimulation for depression in older adults
This study tests a new, faster brain stimulation method for depression in adults aged 60-85 who haven't improved with medication. The treatment targets a part of the brain linked to mood and may offer relief for those who have not found other treatments effective.
Toronto, OntarioAges 60–85 - NCT07230990Recruiting
Brain Stimulation Study for Depression
This study uses a special type of brain stimulation (rTMS, which uses magnetic pulses) to treat depression. It focuses on part of the brain called the orbitofrontal cortex and aims to understand how stimulating it helps improve mood.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18–65
Hear when a new Major Depressive Episode 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 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.