Clinical trials
Treatment Resistant Depression clinical trials
Below are recruiting treatment resistant depression clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 121 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT04124341Recruiting
Brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression
This study tests a new brain stimulation treatment for people with severe depression that hasn't improved with standard treatments. You must have tried at least four different depression treatments without success, and either had or refused electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). You’ll need to be under a psychiatrist’s care and be enrolled in Medicare. The study involves brain scans and EEG sessions to tailor the treatment to you.
Minneapolis, MinnesotaAges 22–70 - NCT06423430Recruiting
Deep brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression (TRANSCEND)
This trial tests a new brain stimulation treatment (deep brain stimulation, or DBS) for people with hard-to-treat depression. It aims to see if targeting a specific brain area can help when other treatments have failed.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 22–70 - NCT07716098RecruitingPhase 3
Esketamine nasal spray for treatment-resistant depression
This study tests esketamine nasal spray versus a placebo in adults with depression that has not improved after trying at least two other antidepressants. It aims to see if the spray can help when standard pills have not worked.
Redlands, CaliforniaAges 18 years+ - NCT07226232RecruitingPhase 3
Psilocybin for veterans with treatment-resistant depression
This study tests whether psilocybin (a psychedelic substance) can help veterans with depression that hasn't improved with standard treatments.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 18–75 - NCT06781697RecruitingPhase 3
Ketamine and virtual reality for treatment-resistant depression
This trial tests if adding virtual reality to ketamine treatments can help people with depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. You'll receive IV ketamine as prescribed by your doctor and also use a virtual reality headset during sessions.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18 years+ - NCT03887715RecruitingTeam says not enrolling
VNS device for long-term depression that hasn’t improved
This trial studies whether a vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) device can reduce symptoms of treatment-resistant depression. Participants either receive the VNS treatment or a no-stimulation control, to compare safety and effectiveness.
Birmingham, AlabamaAges 18 years+ - NCT07623135RecruitingPhase 3
Lumateperone for Hard-to-Treat Depression in Older Adults
This study tests lumateperone, a new medication added to your current antidepressant, to help treat depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. It's designed for people age 60 and older who have tried at least two antidepressants without success.
Tucson, ArizonaAges 60 years+ - NCT07474974Recruiting
Can Eye Cells Predict TMS Success for Depression?
This study tests whether a specific type of eye cell can predict how well transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) works for treating depression. TMS is a non-invasive brain stimulation method that may help people with depression that hasn't responded to other treatments.
Porto, Porto DistrictAges 18–65 - NCT06902298RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Ultrasound brain stimulation for depression
This trial tests a new, non-invasive ultrasound treatment for people with depression who haven't gotten enough relief from at least two prior treatments. It uses sound waves to gently stimulate areas of the brain linked to mood.
Salt Lake City, UtahAges 18–65 - NCT07039370Recruiting
TMS for depression: looking for brain signals of response
This trial tests if brain scans or electrical signals can predict who will get better with TMS (transcranial magnetic stimulation) for depression. It is for people whose depression did not improve after trying two or more antidepressants.
Ankara, AnkaraAges 18–65 - NCT06518720RecruitingPhase 2
Psilocybin for Chronic Nerve Pain and Depression
This trial tests whether psilocybin (a psychedelic medication) can help people who have both chronic nerve pain and depression that hasn't responded to standard treatments. The goal is to see if it can reduce pain and improve mood.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–65 - NCT07737990Enrolling by invitation
Psilocybin group therapy for treatment-resistant depression
This trial tests whether psilocybin-assisted group therapy can help people whose depression hasn't improved with other treatments. You must have already completed a prior psilocybin study to join this group.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18 years+ - NCT07569198RecruitingPhase 2
Ketamine plus therapy for depression with suicidal thoughts
This study tests whether ketamine (a medication) combined with a specific type of therapy called DBT can help people with treatment-resistant depression and borderline personality disorder who are having thoughts of suicide. You would receive ketamine infusions alongside structured therapy sessions over 6 months.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–70 - NCT07211438RecruitingPhase 2
Psilocybin with Monitors for Treatment-Resistant Depression
This study tests whether trained monitors improve the safety and outcomes of psilocybin therapy for people with depression that hasn't responded to other treatments. Participants will receive psilocybin in a supervised setting and will need to temporarily stop other psychiatric medications.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–70 - NCT07563868Recruiting
Coaching to help ketamine therapy for hard-to-treat depression
This study tests whether adding coaching sessions can help people who are already getting ketamine or esketamine treatment for depression that hasn't responded to other medications. You'd receive weekly coaching calls designed to support your recovery while you continue your regular ketamine clinic visits.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07706478Recruiting
Ketamine and Talk Therapy for Tough Depression
This trial tests whether a combination of ketamine (given through an IV) and talk therapy can help people with depression that hasn't responded to other treatments. If you have tried multiple antidepressants and therapy without success, this study may offer a new option.
Doorn, UtrechtAges 18–70 - NCT03272698RecruitingPhase 4
Ketamine plus ECT versus higher-dose ketamine with rescue
This study compares two ways of using ketamine with ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) in people with treatment-resistant depression. It aims to find whether a higher-dose ketamine approach, with extra rescue measures, works better or more safely.
Saskatoon, SaskatchewanAges 18 years+ - NCT03522545RecruitingPhase 1
Stem cell add-on for hard-to-treat bipolar depression
This Phase 1 study tests whether adding allogeneic (donor) stem cells to standard care is safe and may help adults with bipolar depression that has not improved with usual treatments. It mainly targets people with more severe symptoms and certain blood inflammation levels.
Houston, TexasAges 18–65 - NCT03537794Recruiting
Brain scan study in depression using a dopamine binding marker
This study uses a special brain imaging scan (PET) to measure how dopamine receptors are binding in people with treatment-resistant depression, compared with healthy volunteers. It aims to better understand brain chemistry differences that may help guide future treatment.
Toronto, OntarioAges 25–55 - NCT03952962Recruiting
Brain stimulation trial for depression that hasn’t improved
This trial tests a targeted deep brain stimulation procedure to reduce symptoms in people with long-lasting, treatment-resistant depression. It may help by improving mood symptoms using stimulation guided by detailed brain imaging.
Dallas, TexasAges 21–70 - NCT03973268RecruitingPhase 1
Ketamine study to understand treatment response in hard-to-treat depression
This early-stage study tests ketamine and looks at what brain changes may explain why it helps people with major depression that hasn’t improved with usual treatments. You may be asked to stay in the hospital and complete detailed interviews, mood rating scales, and brain imaging.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–70 - 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 - NCT04080778Recruiting
Magnetic seizure treatment for severe bipolar or hard-to-treat depression
This trial studies whether a seizure-like therapy using magnet stimulation can quickly reduce severe depressive symptoms in people with bipolar depression or treatment-resistant depression. It may help when depression is intense and hasn’t improved enough with at least two antidepressant medicines.
Houston, TexasAges 22–85 - NCT04480918Recruiting
Registry for people with depression or bipolar to receive psychiatry care
This is a patient registry that enrolls people being evaluated for treatment options from an Interventional Psychiatry Service. It helps track patients with depression, bipolar disorder, or treatment-resistant OCD who are suitable for these psychiatry treatments.
Iowa City, IowaAges 18–99
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Treatment Resistant Depression trials by city
Studies with a site in or near these metro areas.
Treatment Resistant Depression trials by state
Studies with a site anywhere in these states.
Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for treatment resistant depression?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 121 recruiting treatment resistant 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 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 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.