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
- NCT06404320Recruiting
Exercise program for treatment-resistant depression
This study tests whether a physical activity program can help adults whose depression hasn’t improved after trying at least two antidepressants. If you’re sedentary, between 18 and 65, and have treatment-resistant depression, this program might offer a new way to feel better through exercise.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–65 - 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 - NCT06462196Recruiting
Study of Depression, Bipolar Disorder & Suicide Risk
This study looks at how depression, bipolar disorder, and suicide risk naturally change over time. It aims to better understand these conditions so doctors can improve treatments.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–120 - NCT06480500RecruitingPhase 2
Online therapy and IV ketamine for severe depression with suicide risk
This study tests whether adding an online therapy (i-CBT) to intravenous (IV) ketamine is better than IV ketamine alone for people with treatment-resistant depression who are also thinking about suicide. You'll receive either ketamine or a comparison drug (midazolam), plus the online therapy, in a hospital setting.
Toronto, OntarioAges 21–65 - NCT06511544Recruiting
Brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression with rumination
This study tests whether a specific form of brain stimulation (called rTMS) can help people with treatment-resistant depression by targeting brain circuits linked to rumination (repetitive negative thinking). If you have tried at least one antidepressant without success and do not have other major mental health conditions, this trial may be worth exploring with your doctor.
Indianapolis, IndianaAges 18–70 - NCT06511908RecruitingPhase 2
Testing a new ketamine-like drug for hard-to-treat depression
This study tests a new experimental drug (2R,6R)-HNK, a chemical related to ketamine, given by IV infusion to see if it can help people with depression that hasn't improved with other treatments. The goal is to find a new option for people who have not found relief from standard antidepressants.
Bethesda, MarylandAges 18–70 - NCT06512220RecruitingPhase 2
Psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression brain imaging study
This study tests whether a psilocybin-based treatment can help people with depression that has not improved after trying several antidepressants. You will receive the study treatment and have brain scans to see how it affects brain connections.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–65 - 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 - NCT06542094Recruiting
Brain stimulation for severe depression that hasn't improved with other treatments
This trial tests if deep brain stimulation (a device that sends tiny electrical pulses to mood-related brain areas) can help people with tough-to-treat depression. It uses brain-signal monitoring to see which patterns predict improvement.
Chengdu, SichuanAges 18–65 - 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 - NCT06480201RecruitingPhase 1
Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression: a brain wave study
This study tests whether a single dose of ketamine can change brain wave patterns (called gamma oscillations) in people with treatment-resistant depression. Researchers want to see if these brain waves can predict who will feel better after treatment.
Houston, TexasAges 21–45 - NCT06732089Recruiting
Digital help for stubborn depression
This trial tests a digital program (smartphone app or website) to help people with tough-to-treat depression. If you are already receiving advanced treatments like rTMS, ketamine, or ECT at St. Michael's Hospital, you may be able to join and see if this extra digital support improves your mood.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18 years+ - NCT06773949Recruiting
Exercise before rTMS for hard-to-treat depression
This trial tests if doing exercise before repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) can improve depression symptoms in people who haven't gotten better with standard treatments.
Ottawa, OntarioAges 18–75 - 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 - NCT06812923Recruiting
tACS for hard‑to‑treat depression with inflammation
This study tests a non‑invasive brain stimulation method called tACS (transcranial alternating current stimulation) for people with difficult‑to‑treat depression and signs of inflammation. It aims to see if this treatment can help when standard medications haven't worked well enough.
Tianjin, Tianjin MunicipalityAges 18–55 - 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+ - NCT06895863Recruiting
Personalized magnetic brain therapy for hard to treat depression
This study tests a new way to use magnetic brain stimulation tailored to each patient to treat depression that hasn't improved with at least two different medications. It may help people who are still struggling with moderate to severe depression.
Glostrup MunicipalityAges 18–95 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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
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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.