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 195 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- 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 - 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+ - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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+ - 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 - NCT06054321Recruiting
Depression medication study for adults 19 to 65
This study tests a new way of choosing antidepressants for people with major depression. It's designed for adults aged 19–65 who have moderate to severe depression and are either starting a new antidepressant or have been off psychiatric meds for at least a month.
GwangjuAges 19–65 - NCT06223880RecruitingPhase 4
AXS-05 vs Bupropion to prevent depression relapse
This study tests whether a new drug called AXS-05 can prevent depression from coming back, compared to an older drug called bupropion. If you have major depression and are at risk of relapse, this trial may help you stay well.
Bellflower, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT04057378RecruitingPhase 4
Testing the best electrical settings for ECT for depression
This trial studies which electrical “pulse settings” work best during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for people with depression. It may help doctors personalize ECT so the treatment is safer and works as well as possible for you.
ÖrebroAges 18 years+ - 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 - 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 - NCT02994433RecruitingPhase 1
Testing nitrous oxide for depression brain circuit activity
This early study tests whether nitrous oxide, aimed at specific brain circuits, can change depression-related brain activity. It is mainly for adults with major depression or treatment-resistant depression, and includes brain imaging during the study.
St Louis, MissouriAges 18–65 - NCT06311136Recruiting
Mood support through a smartphone app
This trial tests a smartphone-based program designed to help people manage their emotions in the moment. It may be especially helpful if you currently have mild to moderate depression.
HeidelbergAges 18–65 - NCT06972368Recruiting
Home brain stimulation for depression in borderline personality disorder
This trial tests whether a gentle brain stimulation device (tDCS) used at home can help with depression in people with borderline personality disorder. If you have BPD and current depression, you may be able to participate from home using your smartphone.
Montreal, QuebecAges 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 - NCT06389175Enrolling by invitation
Non-invasive ear stimulation for depression
This study uses a gentle, non-invasive device that stimulates the vagus nerve in your ear to see if it can improve how your stomach and brain communicate, which may help with depression symptoms.
BonnAges 18–55 - NCT04685148RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Study of mental health treatment during pregnancy
This trial studies a treatment aimed at improving maternal mental health during pregnancy. It focuses on people who have had depression around pregnancy before, and checks whether the approach is safe and helpful for them.
CopenhagenAges 18–45 - NCT07444242Recruiting
Fast depression treatment using brain stimulation
This trial tests whether a non-invasive brain stimulation technique called tDCS can quickly improve depression symptoms. It is for people who are not taking any psychiatric medications now or in the past.
Regensburg, BavariaAges 18–70 - NCT06816329Recruiting
Stress and depression risk study for teenage girls
This study looks at how stress affects teenage girls who may be at higher risk for depression due to a parent's history. It involves MRI scans and daily surveys on a cell phone.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 13–15 - NCT06572683Enrolling by invitation
Novel TMS for hard-to-treat depression
This trial tests a new type of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for people with severe depression that hasn't improved with multiple medications or therapy. It uses a different frequency pattern to target brain circuits.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 21–75 - NCT02122562RecruitingPhase 2
Ketamine treatment for depression that hasn’t responded to care
This Phase 2 study tests ketamine for people with major depression that hasn’t improved after at least one antidepressant. It aims to see whether ketamine can reduce depression symptoms during a current depressive episode.
Iowa City, IowaAges 18–55 - NCT07247344Recruiting
Depression in hospitalized teens: a brain study
This study looks at brain and behavior in teens aged 10–20 who are hospitalized for depression or bipolar disorder. It aims to better understand the condition and may help guide future treatments.
Nanjing, JiangsuAges 10–20
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for major depressive episode?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 195 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.