Clinical trials
Treatment-Resistant Major Depressive Disorder clinical trials
Below are recruiting treatment-resistant major depressive disorder clinical trials, each written for real people, not researchers. We’re tracking 76 recruiting studies, each written for real people, not researchers, below.
Recruiting studies
- NCT07876908Recruiting
Magnetic brain therapy for older adults with hard-to-treat depression
This trial tests a new intensive magnetic brain treatment (SAINT) for older adults whose depression has not improved with standard treatments. It aims to see if this treatment can also help with memory concerns, which are common in this group.
Costa Mesa, CaliforniaAges 65 years+ - NCT05607654Recruiting
Brain stimulation for depression that hasn’t improved with usual treatment
This study tests how a specific kind of brain stimulation (repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation) works for people with depression that has not responded to standard treatments. If you qualify, it may help doctors understand the mechanism and improve options for treatment-resistant depression.
Hangzhou, ZhejiangAges 18–45 - NCT05798143Recruiting
Testing brain-signal biomarkers in treatment-resistant depression
This trial studies signs in the brain (biomarkers) during an accelerated form of nerve stimulation to treat depression that hasn’t improved with usual antidepressants. It may help researchers learn who benefits and how to better personalize treatment.
ChietiAges 18–65 - NCT07843927RecruitingPhase 3
Adding DHEA hormone to antidepressants for difficult depression
This study tests whether adding a natural hormone called DHEA to your regular antidepressant can help improve depression symptoms. DHEA is a supplement that may boost the effectiveness of standard antidepressants for people with hard-to-treat depression.
Berlin, State of BerlinAges 18–75 - 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 - NCT06378229RecruitingPhase 2
Psilocybin for hospitalized treatment-resistant depression
This trial tests whether a single dose of psilocybin can help hospitalized patients with tough-to-treat depression. It focuses on people who haven't improved with standard antidepressants and need a new option.
Ghent, Oost-VlaanderenAges 18 years+ - NCT07758010Recruiting
Brain stimulation for treatment-resistant depression
This study tests a type of brain stimulation called cTBS (continuous theta burst stimulation) applied to a specific part of the brain (the precuneus) to see if it helps with treatment-resistant depression. It aims to provide a new option for people who haven't found relief from standard treatments.
Belmont, MassachusettsAges 18 years+ - NCT07748091Recruiting
Brain wave and inflammation markers in shock therapy for depression
This study looks at brain wave patterns and markers of inflammation in people with depression that hasn't improved with other treatments and who are receiving electroconvulsive therapy (ECT, also known as shock therapy). The goal is to understand how these markers might relate to how well ECT works.
Istanbul, BakırköyAges 18–60 - 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+ - NCT07696871RecruitingPhase 1/Phase 2
Cannabidiol oil for treatment-resistant depression
This trial tests if cannabidiol (CBD) oil can help people with major depression that has not improved with standard antidepressants. You will take CBD oil or a placebo while continuing your current antidepressant treatment to see if it improves your symptoms.
Tubarão, Santa CatarinaAges 18–69 - NCT07684911Recruiting
Long-term effects of TMS for depression
This study looks at how well the benefits of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) last over time for people with depression that didn't get better with other treatments. It also uses brain scans to find markers that might predict who will keep doing well.
RennesAges 18 years+ - NCT07673913Recruiting
Blood markers and brain stimulation for hard-to-treat depression
This study is testing whether a new type of brain stimulation called intermittent theta burst stimulation (iTBS) can help people with treatment-resistant depression (depression that hasn't improved with standard medicines). It also looks at certain blood markers to see if they can predict how well someone will respond to this treatment.
Ankara, AnkaraAges 18–55 - NCT07680140RecruitingPhase 4
Using biomarkers to choose depression treatment
This study uses a blood test (biomarker) to help pick the antidepressant that might work best for you. It compares two treatments—standard antidepressants and ketamine—in people with major depression who haven't gotten enough relief from one prior treatment.
New York, New YorkAges 18–70 - 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+ - NCT07611773Recruiting
Brain Stimulation for Depression Treatment Planning
This study tests whether brain scans can predict which people with depression will benefit from transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS)—a non-invasive treatment that uses mild electrical pulses to stimulate brain areas related to mood. You would use a small home device and complete brain monitoring sessions.
ValenciaAges 18 years+ - NCT07573176RecruitingPhase 3
Seltorexant for Depression in Adults and Older Adults
This study tests a new medication called seltorexant as a standalone treatment for major depression. The trial is for adults and older adults who have depression that hasn't improved with other antidepressants or who haven't tried them yet.
Bryant, ArkansasAges 18–74 - 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 - 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+ - NCT06163625Recruiting
Brain activity and memory in treatment-resistant depression
This study looks at how the brain's frontal lobe (DLPFC) works during memory tasks in people with treatment-resistant depression. It compares brain activity between depressed patients and healthy controls using MRI and possibly a brain stimulation technique (rTMS). It aims to understand why some people don't respond to standard treatments.
Toronto, OntarioAges 18–65 - 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 - 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 - NCT04637620RecruitingPhase 2
NMDA-based treatment study for major depression
This Phase 2 trial tests whether an NMDA-targeted treatment can improve symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD). You may be able to join if your depression diagnosis and symptom score fit, and you meet several safety and study-following requirements.
TaichungAges 18–55 - NCT05136755RecruitingPhase 2
NMDA treatment for depression that did not improve
This trial studies an NMDA-based treatment for people with major depressive disorder who did not respond to at least one antidepressant. It may help by changing brain signaling linked to depression symptoms.
TaichungAges 18–65 - 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
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Common questions
- Are there clinical trials for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder?
- Yes. Clin2 currently lists 76 recruiting treatment-resistant major depressive disorder 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 major depressive disorder 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 major depressive disorder 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.