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 125 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT05577247Recruiting
Study of new thinking skills in hard-to-treat depression
This trial looks at how people with treatment-resistant major depression respond when starting a new depression medicine that affects glutamate signaling. It also involves brain scans and thinking/learning tasks, aiming to understand what helps people improve when standard treatments haven’t worked.
ParisAges 18–70 - NCT05570344Recruiting
Texting support plus brain stimulation for hard-to-treat depression
This study tests whether adding supportive text messages to brain stimulation (repetitive TMS) helps people with depression that has not improved after at least two antidepressant tries. It may help some people by combining a brain-based treatment with ongoing daily encouragement and support.
Edmonton, AlbertaAges 18 years+ - NCT07422519Recruiting
Virtual reality mindfulness for hard-to-treat depression
This study tests whether using a virtual reality mindfulness program, added to your usual depression care, can help people whose depression hasn't responded to standard treatments.
BarcelonaAges 18–74 - 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 - NCT06784388RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Deep brain stimulation for tough-to-treat depression
This early trial tests a personalized deep brain stimulation (DBS) approach for people with major depression that hasn't improved with at least two different antidepressants. DBS uses small electrodes placed in the brain to adjust mood-related circuits.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 18–70 - NCT07080723RecruitingPhase 4
Guided treatment vs usual care for stubborn depression
This trial tests if using an algorithm to guide treatment works better than standard care for people whose depression hasn't gotten better with previous treatments. It aims to find a more effective approach for those with treatment-resistant depression.
AalborgAges 18–65 - NCT07324070Recruiting
Adding TMS to ECT for hard-to-treat depression
This study tests whether adding TMS to ECT can better treat depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. It is for adults with moderate to severe major depression who haven't had these treatments recently.
Prague, CzechAges 18 years+ - 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 - NCT06938841Recruiting
Maintenance rTMS for depression
This study tests whether ongoing rTMS treatments can help people who already improved after an initial round of rTMS for depression. It aims to keep the benefits going and prevent relapse.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–80 - 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 - NCT07264452Recruiting
Comparing two types of accelerated brain stimulation for tough depression
This study compares two fast types of brain stimulation (called accelerated theta burst stimulation) to see which works better for people whose depression hasn't improved with standard antidepressants. It's designed for people with treatment-resistant depression who are already on a stable antidepressant.
ErzurumAges 18–65 - 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 - 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 - 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 - NCT07210112RecruitingPhase 2
Psilocybin and Trazodone for tough-to-treat depression
This trial tests if taking psilocybin (a psychedelic drug) with trazodone (an antidepressant) can help people whose depression hasn't improved with at least two standard antidepressants. If you have treatment-resistant depression, this study might be an option.
ParisAges 18 years+ - NCT07512284RecruitingPhase 2
Mindfulness and Brain Stimulation for Treatment-Resistant Depression
This study combines mindfulness practice with transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)—a non-invasive brain stimulation technique—to help people with depression that hasn't improved with antidepressant medications. The goal is to see if adding mindfulness to TMS improves how well the treatment works.
San Diego, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - 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 - 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 - NCT07146503Recruiting
Esketamine Nasal Spray for Treatment-Resistant Depression in Real Life
This study tests esketamine nasal spray (a fast-acting antidepressant) for people with treatment-resistant depression who haven't gotten better after trying at least two other antidepressants. It looks at how well the spray works in everyday doctor's offices, not just in research clinics.
Genova, GeAges 18–74 - NCT06524830RecruitingPhase 2
Testing VLS-01 film for treatment-resistant depression
This trial tests an experimental film placed inside the cheek (VLS-01) against a placebo to see if it helps people whose depression hasn't improved with standard antidepressants. If you have tried at least two antidepressants without success, this study may be an option for you.
Tucson, ArizonaAges 18–65 - NCT07088380RecruitingPhase 3
Ketamine combined with ECT for hard-to-treat depression
This trial tests whether adding ketamine to electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) works better than ECT alone for people with depression that hasn't improved with at least two different antidepressants. It may offer a new option for those who have not found relief from standard treatments.
MilanAges 18–70 - 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 - NCT07094789Recruiting
Ultrasound therapy for stubborn depression
This trial tests whether a non-invasive ultrasound technique can help people whose depression has not improved with standard treatments. You would receive the ultrasound treatment while having MRI scans to see how your brain changes.
Toronto, OntarioAges 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
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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 125 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.