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
- 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 - NCT04783103Recruiting
Brain scan study of stimulation for depression in older adults
This is a pilot study that uses brain imaging to see how a brain “neuromodulation” approach may affect depression in people age 65 and older. You would be screened for depression severity, medication history, and safety limits, and then be asked to keep your depression medicines stable during the study.
Jette, Brussels CapitalAges 65 years+ - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - NCT06848166RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Middle meningeal artery embolization for resistant chronic migraine
This study tests a procedure called 'middle meningeal artery embolization' using a special glue-like material (SQUID) to treat chronic migraine that hasn't responded to other treatments. The goal is to see if blocking blood flow to the membrane around the brain can reduce migraine attacks.
Bishkek, BishkekAges 35–59 - NCT05327699RecruitingEarly Phase 1
Ketamine study for depression with reduced pleasure
This early-phase study tests whether ketamine can help people with major depression who have trouble feeling pleasure. It also studies how the brain may change in response to stress, to better understand who might respond to treatment.
Atlanta, GeorgiaAges 18–65 - NCT07221409Recruiting
Virtual reality to help cancer patients feel better during treatment
This trial tests whether using virtual reality can help reduce stress, anxiety, and other emotional symptoms in people being treated for cancer. Patients undergoing chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant, or CAR-T therapy may be eligible.
Jacksonville, FloridaAges 18–90 - NCT05869682RecruitingPhase 2
Bright light therapy for fatigue and depression in prostate cancer
This Phase 2 study tests whether a “bright white light” intervention can reduce cancer-related fatigue and depression in people with advanced prostate cancer receiving hormone-based treatment. If it works, it could improve day-to-day well-being while you’re on standard cancer therapies.
Duarte, CaliforniaAges 60 years+ - NCT06324422Recruiting
Exercise for Parkinson's fatigue
This trial tests if a structured exercise program can reduce fatigue in people with Parkinson's disease. It may help you feel less tired and improve daily function.
Aarhus, Central JutlandAges 40 years+
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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.