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
- NCT05773755Recruiting
Brain stimulation surgery for treatment-resistant depression
This trial studies whether deep brain stimulation (DBS)—a surgically placed brain device—can reduce severe, long-lasting depression that hasn’t responded to many treatments. It may help people whose depression has persisted despite trying multiple antidepressant and other evidence-based therapies.
New York, New YorkAges 25–70 - NCT07682207Recruiting
Accelerated brain stimulation for PTSD and depression
This study tests an accelerated form of brain stimulation called iTBS to see if it can help people with both PTSD and depression. It may be a good option if you have not found enough relief from your current treatments.
London, OntarioAges 18 years+ - NCT07015944Recruiting
Moving on after breast cancer: a depression trial for survivors in Pakistan
This study tests a program called "Moving on After Breast Cancer" for women in Pakistan who have finished breast cancer treatment and now have depression. The goal is to see if this program helps them feel better emotionally.
Karachi, SindhAges 18 years+ - NCT06392867Recruiting
Brain stimulation for stubborn depression: intensity study
This study tests a type of brain stimulation called TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) for people with depression that hasn't improved with at least two antidepressants. Researchers want to see if a faster version of TMS (theta-burst stimulation) helps reduce depression symptoms.
Hong KongAges 18–70 - NCT03665831Recruiting
Deep TMS for depression and memory problems in older adults
This study tests a type of brain stimulation called Deep TMS to help reduce depression and improve or stabilize memory-related symptoms in older adults with Alzheimer’s disease. It’s mainly for people whose depression did not improve or could not be tolerated with antidepressant medicine.
Toronto, OntarioAges 60 years+ - NCT04581902Recruiting
Study blood and brain markers in moderate to severe depression
This study looks at changes in depression “markers” to understand what treatments help and why. You’ll have non-invasive brain stimulation and scans before and after treatment, over about 8 weeks.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 18–70 - NCT05866575Recruiting
Brain-modeling trial to predict depression treatment response
This trial uses computer modeling based on brain measurements to try to predict which depression treatment will work for you. It may help match you with the most effective option faster by understanding your motivation-related brain patterns.
La Tronche, IsèreAges 18 years+ - NCT05480150Recruiting
Study of brain and mood in people with depression or bipolar disorder
This study is following and assessing people with major depression or bipolar disorder to better understand the condition and how the brain relates to symptoms. It may help researchers develop more targeted support by comparing brain and health information over time.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 16–65 - NCT05964192Recruiting
Neuro test help after rTMS for treatment-resistant depression
This study checks whether a set of brain and hormone-related blood/marker tests can help predict or improve how well rTMS works for depression. It’s for adults whose depression has not responded to two antidepressants.
Rouffach, AlsaceAges 18–65 - NCT05409794Recruiting
Testing blood lithium levels in people with depression and suicidality
This study checks how much lithium is naturally present in the blood and whether that relates to suicidal thoughts or attempts in people with a current major depressive episode. It may help researchers understand biological factors linked to suicide risk and improve future prevention.
MontpellierAges 18 years+ - NCT07713849Recruiting
Transition care for recent psychosis
This study tests a program to help people recently diagnosed with psychosis (within the last two years) transition from hospital to community care. If you have a psychotic disorder and a caregiver involved in your discharge planning, this could help you.
Chicago, IllinoisAges 18–40 - NCT07594483Recruiting
Brain Implant to Treat Hard-to-Treat Depression
This study tests a small implant placed under the scalp that delivers targeted electrical stimulation to the brain to help people with severe depression that hasn't improved with antidepressant medications. The implant is designed to rebalance brain activity and reduce depressive symptoms.
Atlanta, GeorgiaAges 22–85 - NCT07493317RecruitingPhase 2
Tocilizumab for depression with inflammation
This trial tests a medication called tocilizumab, which targets inflammation, to see if it can improve symptoms of major depression in people with signs of inflammation. You may be eligible if you have depression with a high monocyte count and significant loss of interest or pleasure.
New York, New YorkAges 18–70 - NCT07369180Enrolling by invitation
TMS for treatment-resistant depression in adults
This study tests a new type of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for adults whose depression hasn't gotten better with medication. It compares the real treatment to a sham (inactive) version to see how well it works.
Campbell, CaliforniaAges 22–85 - NCT07263022RecruitingPhase 3
Cognitive Training for Early Psychosis Study
This study tests whether a cognitive training program can help young adults with recent psychosis improve their thinking and memory skills. It involves brain scans and cognitive exercises.
Minneapolis, MinnesotaAges 18–35 - NCT07113665RecruitingPhase 1
Focused ultrasound brain treatment for severe anorexia
This trial tests if focused ultrasound can help people with severe anorexia nervosa who also have obsessive-compulsive disorder or major depression. It is for those who have not gotten better with other treatments.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–65 - NCT07095205RecruitingPhase 4
Nicotine's effect on depression in brain imaging study
This trial uses a special brain scan to see how nicotine might help treat depression. It compares people with depression to healthy volunteers to understand how nicotine affects brain chemistry related to mood.
Stony Brook, New YorkAges 18–65 - NCT07076342RecruitingPhase 4
Glutamate receptors and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia
This study tests how a brain receptor called mGluR5 affects sleep and depression treatment. You may qualify if you have major depression with insomnia and are not currently on antidepressants.
Stony Brook, New YorkAges 18 years+ - NCT06897670Recruiting
Brain blood flow patterns in mood and memory disorders
This study uses a headband with light sensors (fNIRS) to measure blood flow in the brain while you do thinking tasks. It aims to understand differences in brain activity for people with depression, bipolar disorder, or mild memory loss.
Rochester, MinnesotaAges 18 years+ - NCT06891300RecruitingPhase 2/Phase 3
Ketamine for Suicidal Thoughts in Depression
This study tests if ketamine can help reduce suicidal thoughts in people with major depression. You'll receive ketamine treatment and be monitored closely.
Ottawa, OntarioAges 18–65 - NCT06788249RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression brain study
This trial tests whether a single dose of ketamine can quickly improve depression by studying brain chemical changes using MRI. It's for people with treatment-resistant depression who haven't used ketamine before.
Philadelphia, PennsylvaniaAges 25–65 - NCT05645575Recruiting
Inpatient TMS for treatment-resistant depression
This study tests an in-hospital brain stimulation treatment (TMS) for people with moderate to severe depression who did not improve after multiple antidepressant treatments. It may help your mood by targeting brain circuits involved in depression, and you would follow an intensive accelerated schedule.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06319378RecruitingPhase 2
Psilocybin for cancer-related depression
This trial tests whether a single dose of psilocybin, a psychedelic medication, can safely and effectively treat major depression in people with cancer. If you have cancer and have been feeling depressed for at least a month, you may qualify.
Gothenburg, GöteborgAges 20–80 - NCT06183359Recruiting
Self-Identification Program for Depression
This study tests a self-identification program for people aged 18 to 70 who are currently in a major depressive episode. It aims to explore whether a simple self-monitoring tool can help you better manage your depression.
MontpellierAges 18–70
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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.