Clinical trials
Treatment-resistant Bipolar Depression clinical trials
Below are recruiting treatment-resistant bipolar depression clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 42 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT06599099Recruiting
Deep brain stimulation for depression that hasn't responded to other treatments
This trial tests if deep brain stimulation (a surgical implant that sends gentle electrical pulses to a specific area of the brain) can help people with bipolar I disorder who are currently in a severe depressive episode and have not found relief from multiple treatments.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 22–64 - NCT06668571RecruitingPhase 2
Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression
This study tests if intravenous ketamine can help people with treatment-resistant depression who haven't found relief from at least two other treatments. If you qualify, you'll receive ketamine infusions to see if it improves your mood.
Rochester, MinnesotaAges 18–65 - 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+ - NCT07108257Recruiting
Focused ultrasound for bipolar depression
This trial uses sound waves guided by MRI to target a small brain area. It aims to help people with bipolar depression that hasn't improved with standard treatments.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–65 - NCT07127913Recruiting
Closed-loop brain stimulation for hard-to-treat bipolar depression
This trial tests a closed-loop deep brain stimulation system for people with bipolar II disorder whose depression has not responded to standard treatments. The device sends targeted electrical pulses to the brain based on real-time activity, aiming to reduce depression symptoms.
San Francisco, CaliforniaAges 22–70 - NCT07166289Recruiting
Ultrasound treatment for tough depression
This study uses focused ultrasound to stimulate brain circuits in people with treatment-resistant depression. It aims to see if this can help when other treatments haven't worked.
Tulsa, OklahomaAges 18–65 - NCT07172516RecruitingPhase 3
Study of azetukalner vs placebo for bipolar depression
This trial tests whether the study drug azetukalner can help reduce depression symptoms in people with bipolar I or II disorder who are currently having a depressive episode. You would be randomly assigned to receive either the drug or a placebo (inactive pill) to see which works better.
Tucson, ArizonaAges 18–74 - NCT07183748RecruitingPhase 2
Psilocybin microdosing plus therapy for hard-to-treat depression
This trial tests whether taking very small, repeated doses of psilocybin (a substance found in magic mushrooms) along with talk therapy can help people with depression that hasn't gotten better with other treatments. You'll need to stop your current depression medications and avoid drugs or alcohol for the study period.
BeershebaAges 18–65 - NCT07217223Recruiting
Home-based brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression
This study tests whether a gentle brain stimulation technique called tDCS can help people with depression that hasn't improved with medication. It can be done at home using a special headset and an internet connection.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–85 - NCT07369102RecruitingPhase 4
Esketamine with or without talk therapy for tough depression
This trial tests if adding a type of talk therapy called integration therapy helps esketamine work better for people with depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. You'll receive esketamine, and some people also get guided sessions to reflect on their experiences.
San JuanAges 21–65 - 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 - NCT07543328Recruiting
Light therapy added to antidepressants for depression with body symptoms
This study tests whether a special light treatment applied to the scalp (transcranial photobiomodulation) can help people with depression who aren't getting better with antidepressants alone. The light therapy is added to your current medication to see if it reduces both mood symptoms and physical complaints like pain or fatigue.
TaipeiAges 18–65 - NCT07553637RecruitingPhase 2
ALTO-207 for Adults With Hard-to-Treat Depression
This study tests whether a new medication called ALTO-207 can help people with depression that hasn't improved with standard antidepressants. You may qualify if you've tried multiple antidepressants without enough relief and are willing to add this experimental treatment to your current medication.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 18–75 - NCT06218030RecruitingPhase 4
L-methylfolate for treatment-resistant anxiety
This study tests whether adding L-methylfolate (a form of vitamin B9) to your current antidepressant can help with generalized anxiety disorder that has not responded to other treatments. It is for adults who are already on a stable dose of an SSRI or SNRI medication.
Kingston, OntarioAges 18–65 - NCT07684911Recruiting
Long-term effects of TMS for depression
This study looks at how well the benefits of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) last over time for people with depression that didn't get better with other treatments. It also uses brain scans to find markers that might predict who will keep doing well.
RennesAges 18 years+ - NCT05905705Recruiting
ECT plus a sleep monitor for treatment-resistant depression
This study looks at how electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) affects brain activity and sleep patterns in people with difficult-to-treat depression. It uses a wearable sleep monitor (the Dreem device) to record sleep while you receive ECT.
St Louis, MissouriAges 21–65 - NCT06278909Recruiting
Nerve stimulation for stubborn anxiety
This study tests a new, non-invasive treatment using mild electrical stimulation on a nerve in your face (trigeminal nerve) to help with anxiety that hasn't improved with other treatments. It aims to see if this approach is safe and helpful for people with generalized anxiety disorder who have not responded to standard medications.
Kingston, OntarioAges 18–65 - NCT06011460Enrolling by invitation
Observing clozapine safety for bipolar depression
This study is testing whether clozapine, a medication usually used for schizophrenia, is safe for treating hard-to-treat depression in people with bipolar disorder. It may help if you have not found relief from other treatments.
Gdansk, Pomeranian VoivodeshipAges 18–65
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for treatment-resistant bipolar depression?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 42 recruiting treatment-resistant bipolar depression 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 treatment-resistant bipolar depression 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 treatment-resistant bipolar depression 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.