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 126 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT05393622Recruiting
Brain stimulation trial for severe, treatment-resistant depression
This study tests an implanted form of brain stimulation for people with severe depression that has not improved with multiple medication trials. If you qualify, you would have brain scans and surgery planning, then follow a treatment-and-safety plan for several months.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 21–80 - NCT02994433RecruitingPhase 1
Testing nitrous oxide for depression brain circuit activity
This early study tests whether nitrous oxide, aimed at specific brain circuits, can change depression-related brain activity. It is mainly for adults with major depression or treatment-resistant depression, and includes brain imaging during the study.
St Louis, MissouriAges 18–65 - NCT05900271Recruiting
Trial for depression using new brain-stimulation sessions
This study tests whether a specific type of brain stimulation (theta burst delivered over several days) works better than standard rTMS given over 6 weeks for people with treatment-resistant depression. It may help improve depressive symptoms, measured with multiple depression rating scales.
Nijmegen, GLAges 18–99 - NCT06488586Recruiting
Ketamine vs Esketamine for treatment-resistant depression
This trial compares two forms of ketamine—given by IV or as a nasal spray—in people with major depression that hasn't improved after trying at least two other antidepressants. The goal is to see which treatment works better.
Kingston, OntarioAges 18–75 - NCT05418894Recruiting
Study brain signals and improve treatment-resistant depression
This trial studies how brain activity relates to feelings and depression, using brain electrodes to measure signals. It’s meant for people with long-lasting, treatment-resistant major depression who may need stimulation while continuing psychiatric care.
Houston, TexasAges 22–70 - 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 - 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 - NCT06748209RecruitingPhase 4
Mobile TMS for treatment-resistant depression
This trial tests if delivering transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) through a mobile unit can help people with depression that hasn't improved with other treatments.
Charleston, South CarolinaAges 22–80 - NCT07115628Recruiting
Accelerated TMS for treatment-resistant depression
This trial tests an accelerated form of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for people with treatment-resistant depression who have been referred for ECT. It aims to offer a non-invasive, less intensive alternative with fewer side effects.
Jette, Brussels CapitalAges 18–70 - NCT06110897Recruiting
Resistance Exercise for Depression Trial
This study tests whether resistance exercise (like lifting weights) can help reduce depression symptoms. If you have major depression and are not already doing regular resistance training, you may be able to join.
Ames, IowaAges 18–65 - NCT05543083Recruiting
Therapy plus exercise for teens at risk of type 2 diabetes
This trial tests whether a combination of coaching (cognitive-behavioral therapy) and exercise can improve mood and help teens who are at higher risk for type 2 diabetes. It may be especially helpful if you’re dealing with depression symptoms and a family history of type 2 diabetes.
Aurora, ColoradoAges 12–17 - 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 - NCT07507370Recruiting
CARED: A fast new treatment plan for depression
This study tests a quick treatment approach for adults with major depression who have not gotten enough help from at least one antidepressant. It aims to see if a new rapid method can improve mood safely.
Chapel Hill, North CarolinaAges 18–70 - 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 - NCT06976697Recruiting
Home-based tDCS for major depression
This trial tests a home-use device that sends a small electrical current to the brain to treat major depression. It may be a good option if you are already on antidepressant medication and have a smartphone.
Boston, MassachusettsAges 22–70 - NCT04509102Enrolling by invitationEarly Phase 1
Test added stimulant medicine with rTMS for depression
This early study tests whether adding a stimulant medicine to repetitive TMS (a non-drug brain stimulation) can improve depression. It is aimed at people whose depression has not improved after at least two antidepressant tries.
Los Angeles, CaliforniaAges 18–65 - NCT06410599RecruitingPhase 2
Medication boost for tough-to-treat chronic depression
This trial tests a new medication added to your current treatment for chronic depression that hasn't gotten better with at least two antidepressants and 12 therapy sessions. It might help when standard treatments aren't enough.
Tübingen, Baden-WürtembergAges 18–64 - NCT07226128Recruiting
Can therapy help HIV patients with depression and insulin resistance?
This study tests if cognitive behavioral therapy (a type of talk therapy) can improve how your body handles sugar (insulin resistance) for people living with HIV who also have depression. You may join if you have HIV, are on stable HIV meds, feel depressed, and do not have diabetes.
Indianapolis, IndianaAges 18 years+ - NCT04569448RecruitingPhase 3
Brexpiprazole for bipolar depression that won’t improve
This Phase 3 study tests whether brexpiprazole can help treat bipolar depression that has not responded to previous treatments. It compares the study medicine to a placebo (inactive pill) for people with bipolar I or II depression.
Hamilton, OntarioAges 18–75 - 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 - NCT05843604Recruiting
Brain and thinking tests to study OCD treatment resistance
This study looks at brain and thinking (cognitive) markers to understand why some people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) don’t respond as well to treatment. If you have OCD, you may be asked to take tests and follow the study rules to help researchers better predict treatment resistance.
PoitiersAges 18–70 - NCT06611592RecruitingPhase 2
Pramipexole for hard-to-treat OCD
This study tests if pramipexole can help people whose OCD hasn't improved with standard treatments like SSRIs or certain antipsychotics. You might qualify if standard therapies haven't worked for you.
BragaAges 18–64 - NCT07345858Enrolling by invitation
Saliva test for psychedelic depression treatment
This trial tests whether a simple saliva test can measure oxytocin levels during a psychedelic treatment for hard-to-treat depression. The goal is to find a biological marker that helps predict how well the therapy works.
GenevaAges 18 years+ - 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
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for treatment resistant depression?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 126 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.